Iran

Iran

The US-Iranian relationship has experienced significant challenges over the past forty years. The lack of diplomatic relations, changes in both the US and Iranian administrations, repeated US military interventions in the region as well as Iran’s support for militant groups and increasingly harsh rhetoric on both sides have further undermined chances for reconciliation. Through a balanced approach of engagement and containment, there is a need to push back against Iranian intervention while promoting US interests, regional conflict resolution, and the well-being of the Iranian people.

Matchett in AFP, France 24, and Arab News on the consequences of bombing Iran’s power plants

Dispatches Mar 6, 2026

How would a Kurdish offensive change the war in Iran?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts explain the goals of the various Kurdish groups the United States is reportedly backing for an attack against Iran and how their involvement could impact the wider war.
Conflict Defense Policy
Matchett in AFP, France 24, and Arab News on the consequences of bombing Iran’s power plants

Dispatches Mar 6, 2026

Washington’s limited levers to shape a post-Khamenei Iran

By Nate Swanson, Ingrid Small

The United States and its allies do have some options to coax change that might result in a more Western-leaning Tehran.
Conflict Iran
Matchett in AFP, France 24, and Arab News on the consequences of bombing Iran’s power plants

MENASource Mar 3, 2026

Trump wants Iranians to ‘take back their country’ from the regime. Can they?

By Alan Pino

To succeed in overthrowing the Iranian regime, an uprising would likely require a unifying leader, an effective organization, and the support of whatever remains of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Conflict Democratic Transitions

Programs

Middle East Programs

Working with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

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Content

In the News

Apr 9, 2026

Matchett in AFP, France 24, and Arab News on the consequences of bombing Iran’s power plants

By Ginger Matchett

On April 8, GeoStrategy Initiative assistant director Ginger Matchett was quoted in “The consequences of bombing Iran’s power stations” for AFP on the risks of attacking civilian critical infrastructure if President Trump follow through on his “power plant day” threat. She and Joseph Webster argued that targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran is strategically ineffective for […]

Critical Infrastructure Policy Energy & Environment

In the News

Apr 9, 2026

Matchett in The Economic Times, Hindustan Times, Nepal News, The Express Tribune, on warning against US striking Iranian critical infrastructure

By Ginger Matchett

On April 7, GeoStrategy Initiative assistant director Ginger Matchett was quoted in “Atlantic Council warns: Hitting Iran’s power grid risks humanitarian disaster” for The Economic Times on President Trump’s “power plant day” threat. She and Joseph Webster argued that targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran is strategically ineffective and would have devasting spillover effects. They were […]

Critical Infrastructure Policy Energy & Environment

Fast Thinking

Apr 8, 2026

What to make of the Iran war cease-fire 

By Atlantic Council

Our experts assess what Washington and Tehran agreed to in the newly announced two-week cease-fire and whether it is likely to work.

Conflict Iran

Dispatches

Apr 8, 2026

Don’t overlook how ordinary Iranians view the war

By Kelly J. Shannon

The current blind spot of how ordinary Iranians are faring carries both humanitarian and policy implications.

Civil Society Conflict

Dispatches

Apr 8, 2026

Sanctions waivers on Russian and Iranian oil are set to expire. Here’s what Trump should do next.

By Maia Nikoladze, Daniel Fried

Washington should rely on already established mechanisms to limit revenue flows to both Tehran and Moscow.

Conflict Economy & Business

In the News

Apr 8, 2026

Kroenig interviewed on BBC on Trump and Iran

By Atlantic Council

On April 7, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on BBC on the Trump administration’s policy in Iran.

Iran Security & Defense

In the News

Apr 6, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Post: Trump and the end of Tehran’s illusion

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Apr 6, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: The Iran War’s First Lesson: American Leadership, Israeli Resolve

By Atlantic Council

Iran Israel

EnergySource

Apr 6, 2026

Why US-Israeli attacks on Iran’s grid and water systems would be counterproductive

By Joseph Webster, Ginger Matchett

Striking energy and water-related infrastructure in Iran would do little damage to the county's military capabilities. Instead, it would hurt civilians and potentially escalate the conflict.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Dispatches

Apr 3, 2026

Attacking Iran’s energy and water infrastructure is not a winning strategy

By Thomas S. Warrick

The Iranian regime uses a peculiar sense of symmetry in how it conducts military campaigns that cuts against the proposed US plan.

Conflict Iran
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Experts

Fellow

Yesar Al-Maleki

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Geopolitics & Energy Security

Fellow

Carmiel Arbit

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Civil Society Extremism

Fellow

Colin Brooks

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Fellow

Danny Citrinowicz  

Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Cybersecurity

Fellow

Ariel Cohen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Central Asia Politics & Diplomacy
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