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

In the News

Nov 3, 2015

Blanford: How Much Does Russia Care about Hezbollah?

By Nicholas Blanford

Middle East Peace and Security Initiative Nonresident Senior Fellow Nicholas Blanford writes for NOW. on Russia and Iran’s cooperation in Syria, and how that has affected Russia’s relationship with Israel:

Iran Israel

New Atlanticist

Nov 3, 2015

Why didn’t the GCC publicly oppose the Iran deal?

By Matthew Kroenig

If the Arab Gulf states are opposed to the Iran nuclear deal, why didn’t they publicly speak out against it? This was perhaps the most interesting and contentious point of discussion on the first day of the second annual Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate on November 1. Make no mistake; the lack of public opposition is […]

Iran Nuclear Nonproliferation

In the News

Nov 2, 2015

Slavin: How to Get Iran to Improve Its Human Rights

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Al Monitor on human rights in Iran and the recently negotiated nuclear deal:

Iran

In the News

Oct 29, 2015

Ashooh on Iran’s Peace Talks Invite

By Jessica Ashooh

Radio France Internationale quotes Middle East Strategy Task Force Deputy Director Jessica Ashooh on the significance of Iran’s invitation to join the international community in seeking a political solution to the war in Syria:

Iran Syria

In the News

Oct 29, 2015

Hof on Iran’s Support for Syrian President Assad

By Frederic C. Hof

Bloomberg quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on Iran’s likely reluctance to support a plan ending with the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad:

Iran Syria

In the News

Oct 29, 2015

Hof on Iranian Support for Hezbollah and Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Business Insider quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on Iran’s interests in Syria after being invited to attend peace talks with the United States and Russia:

Iran Syria

In the News

Oct 29, 2015

Slavin on the Iran Nuclear Agreement and the Middle East

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin joins Reinvent for a Google Hangout discussion on leveraging the Iran nuclear agreement to reduce conflict in the Middle East:

Iran

Emerging Defense Challenges

Oct 21, 2015

‘We Need a Freakin’ Budget’

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Congressman Adam Smith says cap-free defense budget needed to address global challenges The Pentagon needs a long-term budget that is free of caps if it is to address important global threats, including from Islamist militants, Russia, and China, a senior Democratic lawmaker said on Oct. 21. “We need a freakin’ budget,” Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), […]

Iran Russia

In the News

Oct 21, 2015

Cohen on Low Oil Prices and Iranian Spending

By Ariel Cohen

International Business Times quotes Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center and Global Energy Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Ariel Cohen on how low oil prices will affect Iran’s spending after the lifting of sanctions:

Iran

New Atlanticist

Oct 20, 2015

In Afghanistan, an Opportunity for the United States to Work with China and Iran

By Ashish Kumar Sen

EU Special Representative says Islamic State’s rise has created common ground for Washington, Tehran, and Beijing Franz-Michael Mellbin is the European Union’s Special Representative in Afghanistan. In a wide-ranging interview with the New Atlanticist’s Ashish Kumar Sen on Oct. 20, Mellbin discussed the need for a sustained US and NATO troop commitment in Afghanistan, the […]

Afghanistan China

Experts