Iran

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.

Featured commentary & analysis

Pin-Down Diplomacy: How Wrestling Promotes US-Iran Ties

MENASource
May 14, 2026

Five ways the Iran war will forever alter the Middle East

By
Amir Asmar

Expect the war to weaken the Iranian regime, keep the US in the Middle East, harm Israel’s standing in the region, and more.

Conflict
Iran

Pin-Down Diplomacy: How Wrestling Promotes US-Iran Ties

MENASource
Apr 1, 2026

The US should rethink Iran as a Southwest Asia challenge

By
Mike Schoengold Beatty

Conventional instinct to treat Iran as another Iraq or Yemen risks misallocating resources and missing the real challenges ahead.

Iran
Security & Defense

Pin-Down Diplomacy: How Wrestling Promotes US-Iran Ties

MENASource
Mar 23, 2026

The Iran conflict exposes the new cost curve of war

By
Nic Adams

The Pentagon must rapidly field innovative, lower-cost technologies alongside its exquisite capabilities, ensuring each is used where it delivers the greatest advantage.

Conflict
Defense Industry

Programs

Iran Strategy Project

The Iran Strategy Project is designed to synchronize and bring together the Atlantic Council’s policy and analytical efforts on Iran under a single banner, reflecting the unprecedented level of discord and uncertainty in Iran.

Learn more about the Middle East programs

Middle East Programs

Working with our allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

EXPLORE THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL’S MIDDLE EAST PROGRAMS

Content

Event Recap

Feb 2, 2016

Pin-Down Diplomacy: How Wrestling Promotes US-Iran Ties

By South Asia Center

Much as “ping-pong diplomacy” helped break the ice between the United States and China in the 1970s, “pin-down diplomacy” between the wrestlers of the United States and Iran has been instrumental in changing perceptions about Iranian and American society, and building bridges between sports communities and ordinary citizens. On February 2, The Atlantic Council’s Future […]

Iran

In the News

Feb 1, 2016

Vakhshouri Joins BBC Persian NewsHour to Discuss Iran’s Petroleum Contracts

By Sara Vakhshouri

Iran

In the News

Jan 29, 2016

Slavin Quoted by Christian Science Monitor US Private-Sector Engagement in Iran

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Iran

In the News

Jan 29, 2016

Slavin Hosts ‘Issues In The News’ on Iran’s Engagement with Europe and Syria Peace Talks

By Barbara Slavin

Iran Syria

In the News

Jan 25, 2016

Seznec Quoted By CNBC On China’s Economic Engagements With Iran

By Jean-François Seznec

Read the full article here.

Iran

In the News

Jan 25, 2016

Seznec Joins CNBC Money To Discuss China-Iran Trade Deal

By Jean-François Seznec

Watch the full interview here.

Iran

In the News

Jan 24, 2016

Khoury Quoted by Voice Of America On Iran’s Lifted Sanctions and Regional Politics

By http://www.voanews.com/content/kerry-asia/3160345.html

Read the full article here.

Iran

In the News

Jan 23, 2016

Slavin Quoted by Voice of America on How Iran Will Spend Its Sanctions Relief Money

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Iran

In the News

Jan 23, 2016

Khoury Joins Voice Of America to Discuss Saudi-Iran Relations

By Nabeel Khoury

Watch the full interview here.

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Jan 22, 2016

Slavin Moderates Voice of America’s Issues in the News on US-Iran Relations and ISIS in Iraq

By Barbara Slavin

Iran Iraq
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Experts

Fellow

Nilofar Sakhi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

South Asia Center

Afghanistan Arabic

Expert

Nate Swanson

Director, Resident Senior Fellow, Iran Strategy Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism

Staff

William F. Wechsler

Senior Director, Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

National Security Middle East