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.

Citrinowicz in The Institute for National Security Studies: The solution to the Houthi problem Is not in Iran

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
Citrinowicz in The Institute for National Security Studies: The solution to the Houthi problem Is not in Iran

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
Citrinowicz in The Institute for National Security Studies: The solution to the Houthi problem Is not in Iran

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.

EXPLORE THE Atlantic Council’s Middle East PROGRAMs

Content

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Citrinowicz in The Institute for National Security Studies: The solution to the Houthi problem Is not in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iran

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Bakir joins CGTN to discuss how the new Syrian administration’s challenges

By Atlantic Council

Iran Israel

Testimony

Feb 21, 2025

Kimberly Donovan testifies to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission on the Axis of Autocracy

By Kimberly Donovan

On February 20, Economic Statecraft Initiative Director Kimberly Donovan testified to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission at a hearing titled, "An Axis of Autocracy? China's Relations with Russia, Iran, and North Korea."

China Economy & Business

MENASource

Feb 21, 2025

The killings of two Tehran judges show the Islamic Republic is disintegrating

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

From the narratives emerging out of Tehran about the killing of the two judges, one thing is clear: The ayatollah is losing his grip on power.

Civil Society Human Rights

Strategic Litigation

Jan 28, 2025

Strategic Litigation Quarterly Newsletter: A look back at 2024

By Strategic Litigation Project

The latest updates on the Strategic Litigation Project's work advancing human rights and accountability.

Afghanistan China

MENASource

Jan 21, 2025

What a Secretary of State Rubio means for the Middle East: Getting tougher on Iran and tighter with allies 

By Joze Pelayo

By straddling the Ronald Reagan-era and Trump-era Republican foreign policy worldviews, Rubio is now well-positioned to counterbalance isolationist voices within the president’s circle.  

Conflict Democratic Transitions

Global Energy Agenda

Jan 20, 2025

Shaffer in Real Clear Energy: “Iran’s Energy Crisis”

By Brenda Shaffer

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Inflection Points Today

Jan 18, 2025

A Russian-Iranian inaugural gift for Trump

By Frederick Kempe

The new “comprehensive partnership agreement” between Moscow and Tehran is the latest example of greater coordination among the “axis of aggressors.”

China Conflict

New Atlanticist

Jan 14, 2025

The Biden administration’s vision for postwar Gaza

By Antony J. Blinken

At an Atlantic Council Front Page event, Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered remarks on the Biden administration’s Middle East policy and the prospects for peace in the region.

Conflict Crisis Management

Transcript

Jan 14, 2025

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the Biden record in the Middle East—and what comes next

At an Atlantic Council event, the US secretary of state delivered remarks on the Middle East and the future of US leadership.

Crisis Management Iran
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Experts

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

Fellow

Jonathan Fulton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

China Chinese
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