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

Sep 23, 2015

Slavin: Rouhani Wins on Nuclear Deal, Struggles on Human Rights

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Voice of America on Iran’s ongoing struggles with human rights, despite progress with negotiations over its nuclear program:

Iran

SyriaSource

Sep 21, 2015

Syria: The Sole Portal for Progress

By Frederic C. Hof

Obama administration commentary on developments in Syria plumbed new, uncharted depths on September 17, when White House spokesman Josh Earnest laid blame for the failed “train-and-equip” program on “critics” of the administration who had allegedly touted the endeavor and forced it upon the president as “the recipe for success in Syria.”

Iran Russia

In the News

Sep 18, 2015

Blanford: Russia and Iran Both Propping Up Assad. A Balancing Act?

By Nicholas Blanford

Middle East Peace and Security Initiative Nonresident Senior Fellow Nicholas Blanford writes for the Christian Science Monitor on Russian and Iranian influence in Syria, quoting Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on Russia’s motivations for intervention in the conflict:

Iran Russia

In the News

Sep 17, 2015

Vakhshouri on Iran’s Post-Sanctions Economy

By Sara Vakhshouri

The Fuse quotes Global Energy Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Sara Vakhshouri on the future of Iran’s economy and industry after the lifting of international sanctions:

Iran

New Atlanticist

Sep 17, 2015

Wanted: All—Transatlantic—Hands on Deck for Implementation of Iran Deal

By Peter Wittig

Two factors made it possible to reach the nuclear agreement with Iran. First, unity was key. The agreement is also a transatlantic success. During the negotiations, the P5+1—that is, the United States, France, Great Britain, Germany, Russia, and China—and the European Union remained united in the goal of preventing the nuclear armament of Iran. Second, […]

Germany Iran

In the News

Sep 17, 2015

Natural Gas Europe Covers Event on Iran’s Energy Future

By Brenda Shaffer and Barbara Slavin

Natural Gas Europe quotes Global Energy Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Brenda Shaffer and South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin on the future of gas in Iran after the Iran deal from an Atlantic Council panel discussion on the role of natural gas in Iran’s energy future: 

Iran

New Atlanticist

Sep 16, 2015

Is a US-Russia Confrontation Over Syria in the Cards?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

The Obama administration will have to confront Russia and Iran—supporters of embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad—if it wants to win the war against the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), Frederic C. Hof, a Resident Senior Fellow in the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center, said September 16. Russia’s recently ramped up military presence in […]

Iran Russia

In the News

Sep 16, 2015

Slavin: Saudi-Iran Talks Key to Resolving Middle East Wars

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Voice of America on a panel discussion hosted by the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center on Iran’s regional role following the negotiations regarding its nuclear program, quoting Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow for Middle East Security Bilal Y. Saab on anti-Iran sentiment among Arab […]

Iran

New Atlanticist

Sep 16, 2015

Snapback: An Innovative Feature of the Iran Nuclear Deal

By Gérard Araud

Over the past two months, much has been said and written about the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreed with Iran on July 14. We are now drawing to the end of this phase, with the review of the agreement by the US Congress expected to come to its conclusion by September 17. During […]

France Iran

Webcasts

Sep 15, 2015

Post Agreement: The Role of Natural Gas in Iran’s Energy Future

By Global Energy Center

Please join us on Tuesday, September 15 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. for a panel discussion on the future of Iranian energy, particularly natural gas, in a post-sanctions world.

Iran

Experts