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 Voice of America on ISIS and Iran’s Sunni Minority

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

Alfoneh Quoted by Voice of America on ISIS and Iran’s Sunni Minority

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

Alfoneh Quoted by Voice of America on ISIS and Iran’s Sunni Minority

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

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Content

In the News

Mar 28, 2017

Alfoneh Quoted by Voice of America on ISIS and Iran’s Sunni Minority

By Ali Alfoneh

Read the full article here.

Iran

IranSource

Mar 28, 2017

US and Iran Navies Should Seek Persian Gulf Hotline

By Barbara Slavin

Every few weeks comes a new report that speedboats manned by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy have come dangerously close to US Navy vessels in the Persian Gulf.

Iran

SyriaSource

Mar 28, 2017

Beyond Syria: Iran and Future Conflicts in the Middle East and Central Asia

By Ali Alfoneh

The catastrophic war in Syria seems to have gotten nearer to a tragic conclusion, but the end of this war may herald the beginning of other regional conflicts in the Middle East and Central Asia. What began as peaceful protests against the Assad regime’s dictatorial rule, soon evolved into a proxy war between Iran on […]

Iran Syria

In the News

Mar 22, 2017

Vakshouri Quoted by S&P Global Platts on Iran Oil Output Cuts

By Sara Vakhshouri

Read the full article here.

Iran

In the News

Mar 17, 2017

Daniels Joins Rudaw Erbil to Discuss the Trump Administration’s Policy Toward Iran and Israel

By Owen Daniels

Watch the full interview here.

Iran Israel

In the News

Mar 15, 2017

Alami in Trends Research and Advisory: Iran’s Long Game in Lebanon

By Mona Alami

Read the full article here.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Mar 15, 2017

Handjani and Gopalaswamy in War on the Rocks: Get Real on Iran’s Missile Program

By Amir Handjani and Bharath Gopalaswamy

Read the full article here.

Iran

IranSource

Mar 13, 2017

Iran’s Presidential Election: Who Will Run Against Rouhani?

By Sina Azodi

Iran is set to hold its next presidential elections on May 19, when President Hassan Rouhani, who is being supported by pragmatists and reformists, will be running for a second term. HisOsulgarayan (Principalist) opponents have been working on plans to defeat him. They have two potential strategies but given current circumstances, it is likely that Rouhani […]

Iran

Video

Mar 8, 2017

#ACExplainer: Amir Handjani on Iran’s Domestic and International Relations
Iran

In the News

Mar 6, 2017

Vakhshouri Joins BBC Persian Service to Discuss the Iran-Russia Oil Deal

By Sara Vakhshouri

Watch full interview here.

Iran Russia
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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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Events

Online Event Tue, March 31, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

Holding enablers accountable: The Islamic Republic of Iran’s role in Russia’s drone war
Civil Society Conflict Crisis Management Iran