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.

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

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

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

Iran
Middle East

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

Civil Society
Crisis Management

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Middle East Programs

Working with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

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Content

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 […]

Iran Nuclear Nonproliferation

In the News

Jun 15, 2016

Slavin in Al Monitor: Boeing Deal Would Reverse 1993 Decision to Sell to Saudis, Not Iran

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Jun 12, 2016

Slavin Joins C-SPAN to Discuss the Iran Nuclear Deal

By Barbara Slavin

Iran

Event Recap

Jun 9, 2016

Post Iran Nuclear Deal: Policy and Trade Implications

By Grady Wilson

While not much has changed for American investors, the Iran Nuclear Deal has brought about major shifts in international trade, particularity, but not exclusively, in the oil and gas sectors. Richard Nephew joined the Atlantic Council’s Turkey office on June 9, 2016, to discuss the obstacles facing Iran as the Islamic Republic reenters the global […]

Energy & Environment Iran

In the News

May 31, 2016

Slavin in Al-Monitor: Iran’s ‘marriage of convenience’ with Taliban

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Iran

In the News

May 25, 2016

Vakhshouri Quoted by Platts on Investing in Iran

By Sara Vakhshouri

Read the full article here.

Iran

In the News

May 25, 2016

Slavin Moderates Panel on Business Diplomacy in Iran

By Barbara Slavin

Iran

IranSource

May 23, 2016

How to Promote the Potential of Iran’s Makran Coast

By Fatemeh Aman

Iran is seeking new investment for the Makran coast along the Gulf of Oman to boost development in one of the country’s most deprived regions, fight drug trafficking and expand its naval presence beyond the Persian Gulf.

Iran

IranSource

May 16, 2016

Five Ways to Make the Nuclear Deal Work for Iran

By Barbara Slavin

Since a landmark nuclear deal went into effect January 16, Iranians are increasingly frustrated that while they have fulfilled their part of the bargain, they have yet to see significant economic benefits.

Iran

In the News

May 12, 2016

Slavin in Voice of America: Supporters of Nuclear Deal Should Promote Iran Human Rights

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Iran
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Experts

Fellow

Bahar Ghandehari

Junior Policy Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Afghanistan English

Fellow

Michelle S. Giuda

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Freedom and Prosperity Politics & Diplomacy

Staff

Britt Gronemeyer

Assistant Director, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Organizations

Fellow

Nicholas Hopton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia Iran

Fellow

Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Former Researcher

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arms Control Civil Society

Fellow

Simin Kargar

Nonresident Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Cybersecurity Disinformation
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Events

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

The impact of the Iran conflict on global energy markets
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran Middle East