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.

Shaffer quoted in S&P Global on recent Houthi attacks on oil tankers

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
Shaffer quoted in S&P Global on recent Houthi attacks on oil tankers

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
Shaffer quoted in S&P Global on recent Houthi attacks on oil tankers

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

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Content

In the News

Sep 4, 2024

Shaffer quoted in S&P Global on recent Houthi attacks on oil tankers
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

IranSource

Aug 29, 2024

Which side will Arabs take in an Iran-Israel war?

By Arash Azizi

Despite building a Resistance Axis, Iran will not enter with a good hand in any conflict that pulls in its Arab neighbors.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Aug 27, 2024

Panikoff joins International Risk Podcast to discuss Iran

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Aug 25, 2024

Citrinowicz quoted in Jewish Insider on Nasrallah’s warning of Iranian, Houthi attacks still to come

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iran

In the News

Aug 24, 2024

Panikoff joins the Modern War Institute Podcast to discuss the Israeli-Iranian rivalry and Middle Eastern security landscape

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iran

In the News

Aug 24, 2024

Katz joins The Prode to discuss Russia-Iran relations

By Atlantic Council

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Aug 22, 2024

Webster quoted in Energy Intelligence on Iran’s oil exports

By Joseph Webster

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Aug 22, 2024

Wechsler quoted in VOA News on the potential for a regional war in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Iran

In the News

Aug 22, 2024

Fulton quoted in China Global South on head of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce pressuring China to implement stalled strategic agreement

By Atlantic Council

China Iran

In the News

Aug 16, 2024

Donovan and Nikoladze cited by the National Interest on an alternative market of sanctioned oil in China, Iran, and Russia

Read the full article here

China Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion
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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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