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

SyriaSource

Sep 15, 2015

Syria: What to do About the Russian Challenge

By Frederic C. Hof

Russia’s military buildup on a Syrian airbase south of Latakia combined with the escalating hemorrhage of Syrian humanity confronts President Barack Obama’s administration with facts it has tried mightily to avoid for years: the Syrian crisis is not containable; it cannot be held at arm’s length; and it cannot be treated with mantra-like incantations about […]

Iran Russia

SyriaSource

Sep 14, 2015

Syria: Moscow Makes a Move

By Frederic C. Hof

Although the precise nature of Russia’s recent upgrading of its military presence in Syria remains largely opaque to Western eyes, one thing seems clear: Moscow has doubled-down in its support of Bashar al-Assad and the family-based Assad regime.

Iran Russia

Issue Brief

Sep 14, 2015

Iran debates its regional role

By Nasser Hadian

Concerns in the United States and its traditional Middle Eastern allies about Iran’s expanding regional role in the aftermath of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reached between Iran and the P5+1 on July 14, 2015, fail to take into consideration a significant debate within the Iranian policy elite. In “Iran Debates Its Regional […]

Iran

Event Recap

Sep 14, 2015

Iran Debates its Regional Role

By South Asia Center

On September 14, the South Asia Center hosted Nasser Hadian and Bilal Saab to discuss Iran’s regional role following the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Hadian, an Iran-based analyst and University of Tehran professor, presented findings from his new paper, which argues that Iranian policymakers are divided between those who believe Iran must act more […]

Iran

In the News

Sep 14, 2015

Ullman: An Open Letter to Donald J. Trump

By Harlan Ullman

Atlantic Council Senior Adviser Harlan Ullman writes for United Press International, penning a  letter to Donald Trump on the Iran Deal: 

Iran

In the News

Sep 13, 2015

Itani and Barabandi: In Zabadani, Signs of a New and Worrying Iranian Strategy in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani and former Syrian diplomat Bassam Barabandi write for The World Post on Zabadani’s impact on Iran’s strategy in Syria, mentioning their recently release report on seizing local opportunities in Syria:

Iran Syria

In the News

Sep 13, 2015

Slavin: Will Iran Reach Truce with ISIS?

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Al Monitor on Iran’s regional policies, quoting Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow for Middle East Security Bilal Y. Saab  on the perceptions of Iran’s neighbors and announcing Nasser Hadian’s report on Iran’s engagement in the region to be presented at the Atlantic Council: 

Iran

In the News

Sep 11, 2015

Hof on Assad’s Exit: “I Just Don’t See That Happening.”

By Fred Hof

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof joins NPR’s All Things Considered to discuss Washington’s hopes of Russian and Iranian involvement in Syria leading to a favorable outcome:

Iran Russia

In the News

Sep 11, 2015

Slavin Moderates Issues in the News

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin moderates Voice of America’s Issues in the News, discussing Europe’s migrant crisis, Russia’s intervention in Syria, the Iran deal, and the fourteenth anniversary of 9/11:

Europe & Eurasia Iran

In the News

Sep 10, 2015

Vakhshouri on Iranian Oil, Post-Sanctions

By Atlantic Council

Bloomberg quotes Global Energy Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Sara Vakhshouri on the impact of lifting sanctions on Iran’s oil industry:

Iran

Experts