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

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

In the News

Oct 20, 2015

Itani on Iranian Troops in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani joins CNN’s Situation Room to discuss Iran’s increasing engagement in the conflict in Syria and reports that Iranian troops are prepping for a major offensive near Aleppo:

Iran Syria

New Atlanticist

Oct 16, 2015

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Heads to Washington

By Ashish Kumar Sen

But it’s the military that calls the shots in Pakistan, says former US official Though US President Barack Obama will meet Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the White House on Oct. 22 in an effort aimed at rekindling a peace process in Afghanistan, it is the military that really calls the shots in the […]

Afghanistan China

In the News

Oct 16, 2015

Slavin on the Treasury Department’s Announcement on Iran Sanctions

By Barbara Slavin

The Washington Post quotes South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin on the US Treasury Department’s expected announcement on Sunday regarding whether sanctions on Iran will remain in place:

Iran

In the News

Oct 16, 2015

Slavin on the Middle East

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin joins Voice of America’s Issues in the News to discuss Afghanistan, Iran, Israel-Palestine, and US domestic politics:

Afghanistan Iran

In the News

Oct 15, 2015

Vakhshouri on Iranian Oil Markets

By Sara Vakhshouri

Global Energy Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Sara Vakhshouri joins Real Clear Energy to discuss the influence of Iranian exports on the world price of oil after sanctions have been lifted: Watch the full interview here.

Iran

In the News

Oct 13, 2015

Seznec on the Potential for Cooperation Between Iran and Saudi Arabia

By Jean-François Seznec

Global Energy Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Jean-François Seznec speaks with Energy Fuse to discuss his recently released report discussing the potential for Saudi Arabia and Iran to find areas of cooperation on deals in oil and gas:

Energy & Environment Iran

SyriaSource

Oct 13, 2015

An Iranian’s Advice: Mind Your Own Business

By Frederic C. Hof

President Barack Obama’s take on Syria is that there is the Islamic State (ISIL, ISIS, or Daesh) in the east – an entity that must be degraded and destroyed – and the Assad regime in the west – an entity that should be negotiated out of existence. The United States will bomb ISIL from the […]

Iran Syria

Issue Brief

Oct 13, 2015

Crude oil for natural gas: Prospects for Iran-Saudi reconciliation

By Jean-Francois Seznec

Despite the sectarian barbs traded between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Iran's unique ability to meet the kingdom's fast growing demand for electricity may help spur a reconciliation, and the two dominant energy producers do not necessarily need to see their energy production as competition.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Experts