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.

Iran targeted human rights sanctions series: How can civil society contribute to the process?

Dispatches Mar 6, 2026

How would a Kurdish offensive change the war in Iran?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts explain the goals of the various Kurdish groups the United States is reportedly backing for an attack against Iran and how their involvement could impact the wider war.
Conflict Defense Policy
Iran targeted human rights sanctions series: How can civil society contribute to the process?

Dispatches Mar 6, 2026

Washington’s limited levers to shape a post-Khamenei Iran

By Nate Swanson, Ingrid Small

The United States and its allies do have some options to coax change that might result in a more Western-leaning Tehran.
Conflict Iran
Iran targeted human rights sanctions series: How can civil society contribute to the process?

MENASource Mar 3, 2026

Trump wants Iranians to ‘take back their country’ from the regime. Can they?

By Alan Pino

To succeed in overthrowing the Iranian regime, an uprising would likely require a unifying leader, an effective organization, and the support of whatever remains of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Conflict Democratic Transitions

Programs

Middle East Programs

Working with 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

IranSource

Oct 31, 2024

Iran targeted human rights sanctions series: How can civil society contribute to the process?

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

As the ultimate beneficiaries, and often those most knowledgeable about specific individuals or entities responsible for abuses, civil society’s role is essential in the sanctions process.

Civil Society Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

New Atlanticist

Oct 31, 2024

Congressman Mike Turner on how the ‘emerging axis of evil’ will challenge the next US administration

By Daniel Hojnacki

The chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence discussed the threats to US security that the next president will face.

China Conflict

Experts react

Oct 26, 2024

Experts react: Israel has hit back at Iran with airstrikes. Is this the road to war or an off-ramp?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts share their insights on what Israel’s retaliatory strikes against Iran could mean for the prospect of further Israeli-Iranian escalation.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Oct 25, 2024

Israel’s attack in Iran means full-scale war is closer than ever. Here’s what Iran is thinking now.

By Danny Citrinowicz  

Iran's leaders fear a full-scale war with Israel, but can they absorb this attack without retaliating and thus be exposed to future attacks?

Conflict Iran

IranSource

Oct 24, 2024

Iran targeted human rights sanctions series: Can children of Iranian officials be designated?

By Holly Dagres, Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

Children of Iranian officials might be impacted by targeted human rights designations, but only through strict sanctions enforcement and investigation and only where there is political will.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Human Rights

MENASource

Oct 23, 2024

Balancing a culture of secrecy and collaboration: Information sharing with hostage families

By Liz Cathcart

US policies enshrine a requirement for intelligence sharing between the US government and hostage families.

China Conflict

Econographics

Oct 22, 2024

A crack in the BRICS: Iran’s economic challenges take center stage at Russia’s summit 

By Josh Lipsky, Alisha Chhangani

The reality is that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will show up to the BRICS leaders meeting and look for support across the BRICS not only in the military domain, but also for his country’s economy.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

EnergySource

Oct 21, 2024

Despite panicked markets, Israel is unlikely to attack Iranian oil facilities

By Ellen Wald

Israeli officials have promised “significant retaliation” in response to Iran’s October 1 attack and have hinted that they could target Iran’s oil infrastructure. However, the likelihood of such an attack is quite low due to several technical, economic, and geopolitical factors.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Oct 12, 2024

Charai in the National Interest: The US and Israel’s Path to Supporting the Iranian People’s Aspirations

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

IranSource

Oct 11, 2024

The Nasrallah killing is upending Iran’s security strategy. Here’s what to expect next.

By Danny Citrinowicz  

Tehran needs to decide whether it is ready to change its policy since October 7, 2023.

Conflict Iran
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Experts

Fellow

Yesar Al-Maleki

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Geopolitics & Energy Security

Fellow

Carmiel Arbit

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Civil Society Extremism

Fellow

Colin Brooks

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Fellow

Danny Citrinowicz  

Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Cybersecurity

Fellow

Ariel Cohen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Central Asia Politics & Diplomacy
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