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.

Experts react: The US and Israel just unleashed a major attack on Iran. What’s next?

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
Experts react: The US and Israel just unleashed a major attack on Iran. What’s next?

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
Experts react: The US and Israel just unleashed a major attack on Iran. What’s next?

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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Content

Dispatches

Feb 28, 2026

Experts react: The US and Israel just unleashed a major attack on Iran. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts assess the unfolding Operation Epic Fury and where it goes from here.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Feb 27, 2026

Kroenig in The Wall Street Journal on Iran’s military capabilities

By Atlantic Council

On February 27, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in The Wall Street Journal on Iran's intercontinental ballistic missile program.

Iran Security & Defense

Dispatches

Feb 21, 2026

Ten predictions for the potential US strikes on Iran

By William F. Wechsler

There are more likely and less likely possibilities for what will happen if US President Donald Trump decides to launch an attack on Iran.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Feb 20, 2026

Iran’s regime is suffering from strategic vertigo. Its next misstep may be its last.

By Michael Rozenblat

Iranian leaders continue to see their major decisions backfire. Will they choose obstinance again in ongoing talks with the US?

Conflict Iran

In the News

Feb 20, 2026

Kroenig interviewed on CBS News on US strategy in Iran and the Board of Peace

By Atlantic Council

On February 19, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on CBS News about potential US strikes in Iran and the Board of Peace.

Iran Middle East

Dispatches

Feb 19, 2026

Before striking Iran, Trump should answer these six questions

By Nate Swanson

As negotiations falter, a new conflict looks increasingly likely. Asking the right questions now can prevent problems later on.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Feb 15, 2026

Ahmed Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Iran at the Edge: Pressure, Transition, and the Responsibility of Clarity

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Iran

MENASource

Feb 15, 2026

Six reasons why Trump should choose the military option in Iran

By Michael Rozenblat

The benefits of fundamentally changing—or even eliminating—the Islamic Republic could outweigh the risks if the alternative is an emboldened, undeterred Iran.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Feb 11, 2026

Kroenig on NPR on Iran

By Atlantic Council

On February 11, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on NPR on the Trump Administration’s negotiations with Iran.

Iran Security & Defense

Econographics

Feb 6, 2026

Iran can still normalize its economy—but the path will be painful and slow

By Bart Piasecki

Iran’s inflation crisis is driven by persistent exchange‑rate instability, entrenched fiscal dominance, and international sanctions. Despite these structural challenges, there remains a clear—but difficult—path toward economic normalization.

Dollar Dominance Economy & Business
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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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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