Iran

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.

Featured commentary & analysis

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

MENASource
May 14, 2026

Five ways the Iran war will forever alter the Middle East

By
Amir Asmar

Expect the war to weaken the Iranian regime, keep the US in the Middle East, harm Israel’s standing in the region, and more.

Conflict
Iran

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

MENASource
Apr 1, 2026

The US should rethink Iran as a Southwest Asia challenge

By
Mike Schoengold Beatty

Conventional instinct to treat Iran as another Iraq or Yemen risks misallocating resources and missing the real challenges ahead.

Iran
Security & Defense

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

MENASource
Mar 23, 2026

The Iran conflict exposes the new cost curve of war

By
Nic Adams

The Pentagon must rapidly field innovative, lower-cost technologies alongside its exquisite capabilities, ensuring each is used where it delivers the greatest advantage.

Conflict
Defense Industry

Programs

Iran Strategy Project

The Iran Strategy Project is designed to synchronize and bring together the Atlantic Council’s policy and analytical efforts on Iran under a single banner, reflecting the unprecedented level of discord and uncertainty in Iran.

Learn more about the Middle East programs

Middle East Programs

Working with our 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

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

IranSource

May 4, 2016

Iran’s New Parliament: Fewer Clerics, More Women

By Mehrnaz Samimi

The results of this year’s runoff elections for seats in Iran’s tenth parliament have broken two records. The new parliament — which will officially begin work on May 28 — will host the largest number of women and the least number of clerics since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

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, Research & Advocacy, 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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