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.

Gopalaswamy and Handjani in the National Interest: Can Iran and India Turn the Page?

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

Gopalaswamy and Handjani in the National Interest: Can Iran and India Turn the Page?

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

Gopalaswamy and Handjani in the National Interest: Can Iran and India Turn the Page?

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

Jan 14, 2017

Gopalaswamy and Handjani in the National Interest: Can Iran and India Turn the Page?

By Bharath Gopalaswamy and Amir Handjani

Read full article here.

India Iran

In the News

Jan 14, 2017

Daniels Joins Rudaw to Discuss Iran-Turkey Talks on Kurdistan

By Owen Daniels

Watch the full discussion here.

Iran

In the News

Jan 13, 2017

Ward Quoted by CBC News on Obama’s Legacy and the Iran Deal

By Alex Ward

Read full article here.

Iran

New Atlanticist

Jan 10, 2017

John Kerry Sets the Record Straight

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Secretary of State warns against ‘factless political environment,’ says the United States has been leading US Secretary of State John Kerry on January 10 took a thinly veiled swipe at US President-elect Donald Trump while warning of the perils of living in a “factless political environment” and expressing consternation that the process for nominating officials […]

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

In the News

Jan 10, 2017

Trump & Obama Aides, Experts Weigh America’s Global Role

Read the full article here.

China European Union

In the News

Jan 9, 2017

Slavin in Voice of America: Islamic Republic of Iran Loses a Pillar and a Pragmatist in Rafsanjani

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Iran

In the News

Jan 9, 2017

Slavin in Al-Monitor: Iran Loses Flawed Champion of Renewed Ties with US

By Barbara Slavin

Read full article here.

Iran

In the News

Jan 8, 2017

Slavin Quoted by the Washington Post on Iran the Passing of Former President Rafsanjani

By Barbara Slavin

Read full article here.

Iran

Issue Brief

Jan 6, 2017

Post-Vienna: Prospects for Iran’s oil production and exports

By Sara Vakhshouri

As the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal ushers Iran back into international energy markets, its oil and gas industry is poised to reach its full potential. With Iranian oil production and exports already rising following the nuclear deal, this paper examines scenarios for Iran’s full reentry into international oil and gas markets.

Energy & Environment Iran

Issue Brief

Jan 6, 2017

Post-Vienna: Prospects for Iran’s oil production and exports

By Sara Vakhshouri

As the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal ushers Iran back into international energy markets, its oil and gas industry is poised to reach its full potential. With Iranian oil production and exports already rising following the nuclear deal, this paper examines scenarios for Iran’s full reentry into international oil and gas markets.

Energy & Environment Iran
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Experts

Fellow

Brian O’Toole

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Cuba Economy & Business

Staff

Jonathan Panikoff

Director, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

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

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Fellow

Alan Pino

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Intelligence Iran

Fellow

Amanda J. Rothschild

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Iran

Fellow

Anthony J. Ruggiero

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Arms Control Defense Policy

Fellow

Nilofar Sakhi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

South Asia Center

Afghanistan Arabic
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