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.

Content

MENASource

Oct 23, 2024

Balancing a culture of secrecy and collaboration: Information sharing with hostage families

By Liz Cathcart

US policies enshrine a requirement for intelligence sharing between the US government and hostage families.

China Conflict

Econographics

Oct 22, 2024

A crack in the BRICS: Iran’s economic challenges take center stage at Russia’s summit 

By Josh Lipsky, Alisha Chhangani

The reality is that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will show up to the BRICS leaders meeting and look for support across the BRICS not only in the military domain, but also for his country’s economy.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

EnergySource

Oct 21, 2024

Despite panicked markets, Israel is unlikely to attack Iranian oil facilities

By Ellen Wald

Israeli officials have promised “significant retaliation” in response to Iran’s October 1 attack and have hinted that they could target Iran’s oil infrastructure. However, the likelihood of such an attack is quite low due to several technical, economic, and geopolitical factors.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Oct 12, 2024

Charai in the National Interest: The US and Israel’s Path to Supporting the Iranian People’s Aspirations

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

IranSource

Oct 11, 2024

The Nasrallah killing is upending Iran’s security strategy. Here’s what to expect next.

By Danny Citrinowicz  

Tehran needs to decide whether it is ready to change its policy since October 7, 2023.

Conflict Iran

Inflection Points

Oct 9, 2024

Israel’s dramatic gains on Iran present a historic chance—and enormous risks

By Frederick Kempe

Israel may now have “escalation dominance” over Iran and its proxies, but a new bipartisan Atlantic Council report underscores why both Israel and the United States need a strong and long-term strategy for dealing with Tehran.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Oct 8, 2024

Elliot Ackerman in the Atlantic on the death of Nasrallah

On September 28, Elliot Ackerman, non-resident senior fellow at Forward Defense, published a piece in the Atlantic on the current conflict between Israel and Iran and the broader conflict between the US and its adversaries.

Conflict Iran

Report

Oct 8, 2024

A bipartisan Iran strategy for the next US administration—and the next two decades

As tensions spike in the Middle East, how should the next US president approach Iran and its network of proxies including Hezbollah and Hamas? With a strategy that can be maintained for decades, by administrations of either party. A bipartisan, expert working group lays out the details.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Oct 4, 2024

One year after Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attacks, here’s how the region has changed

By Atlantic Council experts

One year on, the Gaza War remains unresolved and the potential for war across the region is becoming more likely. Atlantic Council experts take on questions about the war's impact—and its future.

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Oct 3, 2024

Derentz quoted in Politico on potential implications of Israeli-Iranian tensions on the global oil market

By Landon Derentz

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Experts