Iran

Middle East

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.

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NATO Summit Special Series: United Arab Emirates

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.

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Middle East

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?

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Middle East

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.

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Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abullah bin Zayed al-Nayan, March 2, 2016

NATOSource

Jul 1, 2016

NATO Summit Special Series: United Arab Emirates

By Muath Al Wari

NATO’s ties with the United Arab Emirates are complicated by several factors that negate the significance of the upcoming summit in Warsaw for Abu Dhabi’s foreign policy interests.

Iran NATO

In the News

Jun 30, 2016

Slavin in Al Monitor: Senior American at International Monetary Fund Says Iran Faces ‘Fundamental’ Choices

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Iran

In the News

Jun 28, 2016

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Iran

New Atlanticist

Jun 17, 2016

Memo to Next US President: Don’t Squander Opportunity with Iran

By Mitch Hulse

The nuclear deal with Iran has laid the foundation for a stable relationship between the United States and Iran, and the next US administration must prioritize ties with the Islamic Republic, panelists agreed at a conference at the Atlantic Council in Washington on June 16.

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New Atlanticist

Jun 16, 2016

Ben Rhodes: Tearing Up Iran Nuke Deal Will Precipitate a Crisis in the Middle East

By Ashish Kumar Sen

The next US president would precipitate a crisis in the Middle East and alienate America’s allies if he or she decides to tear up the nuclear deal with Iran, a senior White House official said at the Atlantic Council on June 16. “The way in which the Iran deal was structured creates enormous disincentives for […]

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Online Event Tue, March 10, 2026 • 2:00 pm ET

The impact of the Iran conflict on global energy markets

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Featured commentary and analysis

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

What Trump could do next in Iran

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

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Middle East Programs

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NATO Summit Special Series: United Arab Emirates

Slavin in Al Monitor: Senior American at International Monetary Fund Says Iran Faces ‘Fundamental’ Choices

Slavin Joins Women’s Action for New Directions to Discuss the Iran Deal

Atlantic Council Event Can the US Work with Iran: Challenges and Opportunities Mentioned by the Associated Press

Younis Quoted by Rudaw on the Boeing Iran Deal

Can the US Work with Iran: Challenges and Opportunities Featured by the Wall Street Journal

Atlantic Council Event Can the US Work with Iran: Challenges and Opportunities Mentioned in the Wall Street Journal

Slavin in Voice of America: One Year In, the Iran Nuclear Deal Is Working

Memo to Next US President: Don’t Squander Opportunity with Iran

Ben Rhodes: Tearing Up Iran Nuke Deal Will Precipitate a Crisis in the Middle East

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The impact of the Iran conflict on global energy markets

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