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.

Alfoneh Quoted by Aftenposten on Afghan Refugees Being Offered Citizenship to Fight for Iran

Dispatches
Jan 28, 2026

The expert conversation: Should Trump strike Iran? What happens next if he does?

By
Jason M. Brodsky and Danny Citrinowicz

As the USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in the Middle East, two experts debate the opportunities, uncertainties, and risks of a US strike on Iran.

Iran
Middle East

Alfoneh Quoted by Aftenposten on Afghan Refugees Being Offered Citizenship to Fight for Iran

Dispatches
Jan 23, 2026

What Trump could do next in Iran

By
Nate Swanson

As a US carrier strike group nears the Persian Gulf, what options does US President Donald Trump have to strike against the Iranian regime?

Iran
Middle East

Alfoneh Quoted by Aftenposten on Afghan Refugees Being Offered Citizenship to Fight for Iran

MENASource
Jan 14, 2026

Voices from Iran: As rejection of government reaches all-time high, Iranians also wary of foreign intervention

By
Tara Kangarlou

If Trump is serious about peace, stability, and a lasting legacy, the path forward does not run through air strikes or transactional deals with a failing theocracy.

Civil Society
Crisis Management

Programs

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Content

In the News

May 27, 2017

Alfoneh Quoted by Aftenposten on Afghan Refugees Being Offered Citizenship to Fight for Iran

By Ali Alfoneh

Read the full article here.

Afghanistan Iran

In the News

May 27, 2017

Slavin Joins i24 News to Discuss Relations Between Iran’s President Rouhani and President Trump

By Barbara Slavin

Watch the full interview here.

Iran

In the News

May 24, 2017

Vakhshouri Quoted in Bloomberg on Iran’s Oil Markets

By Sara Vakhshouri

Read the full article here.

Iran

In the News

May 22, 2017

Vakhsouri Quoted in Bloomberg on Iran President Rouhani’s Plan for Oil Industry

By Sara Vakhshouri

Read the full article here.

Iran

In the News

May 22, 2017

Slavin Moderates Panel Discussion on Iran Elections

By Barbara Slavin

Watch the full interview here.

Iran

New Atlanticist

May 22, 2017

Iranians Vote for Competence Over Ideology

By Barbara Slavin

Iranians celebrated in the streets of their cities this past weekend out of relief that the most capable candidate on offer won the presidential election held on May 19. Incumbent President Hassan Rouhani’s solid victory over a younger and more hardline cleric, Ebrahim Raisi, was a triumph of competence over ideology and of openness over […]

Iran

In the News

May 19, 2017

Slavin Joins PRI’s The World to Discuss Iran’s Presidential Elections

By Barbara Slavin

Listen to the full interview here.

Iran

In the News

May 19, 2017

Alami in the New Arab: Assad Turns to Iran to Help ‘Stabilise’ Battered Economy

By Mona Alami

Read the full article here.

Iran

New Atlanticist

May 18, 2017

Arab Gulf States Set to Woo Trump

During US President Donald J. Trump’s upcoming trip to Riyadh, Gulf leaders will seek to portray themselves as capable partners for the United States in countering common threats, namely violent extremism and Iranian aggression, according to an Atlantic Council analyst. Throughout the summit, leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will “want to make […]

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

May 18, 2017

Slavin Joins France 24 to Discuss Iran Presidential Elections

By Barbara Slavin

Watch the full interview here.

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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