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.

Post Iran Nuclear Deal: Policy and Trade Implications

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
Post Iran Nuclear Deal: Policy and Trade Implications

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
Post Iran Nuclear Deal: Policy and Trade Implications

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

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.

EXPLORE THE Atlantic Council’s Middle East PROGRAMs

Content

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

In the News

May 11, 2016

BBC Persian Features Atlantic Council Event on Human Rights in Iran and Saudi Arabia

By Atlantic Council

Read the full article here.

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

May 9, 2016

Slavin in Al Monitor: US Officials Circle Globe to Explain Iran Policy but Fail to Persuade

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Iran

In the News

May 6, 2016

Slavin in Voice of America: US Sanctions Still Hinder European Business with Iran

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Iran
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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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