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.

Content

MENASource

Jul 16, 2024

What’s behind the Middle East’s doomsday fever?

By Sarah Zaaimi

Doomsday sects should be understood as a social phenomenon in the context of a collectively traumatized society.

Arabic English

IranSource

Jul 12, 2024

A JCPOA 2.0 will secure Iran as a threshold state but move it away from a bomb

By Danny Citrinowicz  

Through painful compromises on both sides, the desire to avoid a broad escalation can increase the likelihood of reaching a JCPOA 2.0.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Jul 10, 2024

Donovan and Nikoladze cited by Washington Post on sanctions evasion

Read the full article here.

China Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

IranSource

Jul 9, 2024

An Iranian war criminal’s freedom has a detonating impact on the universal jurisdiction project

By Shadi Sadr

There is a significant risk that the transfer of convicted war criminal Hamid Noury could lead to similar cases, unless the international community addresses its detonating effects.

Human Rights Iran

Issue Brief

Jul 8, 2024

Is Iran an ideological state?

By Mahmood Sariolghalam

Mahmood Sariolghalam argues that Islamic fundamentalism did motivate Iran’s international presence in the first decade of the revolution. However, after the death of its founder, Ayatollah Khomeini, the country’s foreign policy now prioritizes policies to guarantee its political survival.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Jun 27, 2024

The pardoning and release of a convicted Iranian war criminal is a crime

By Lawdan Bazargan

Hamid Noury's return to Iran in a political exchange undermines international justice, and potentially emboldens other rogue regimes globally.

Human Rights Iran

IranSource

Jun 27, 2024

Sweden released an Iranian war criminal. Here’s how activists and rights defenders reacted.

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

World powers will continue negotiating with the Islamic Republic and make shortsighted concessions that will endanger not only the future of Iran but also global security. However, the fight for the liberation of Iran is not over—at least for Iranians.

Conflict Human Rights

In the News

Jun 25, 2024

Professor Shaffer quoted in S&P Global on US Treasury sanctions on Iranian shadow banking network

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

IranSource

Jun 21, 2024

Don’t be fooled by the ‘reformist.’ Iran’s presidential election won’t bring fundamental change.

By Holly Dagres

The only way out of this conundrum is if Iranians take their destiny into their own hands.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

IranSource

Jun 21, 2024

There are several Iranian presidential candidates, but only one Khamenei might want

By Shay Khatiri

Whoever becomes president will be a hint as to which of these crises the supreme leader believes to be the most urgent.

Democratic Transitions Elections

Experts