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.

What does Iran get for sending ballistic missiles to Russia?

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
What does Iran get for sending ballistic missiles to Russia?

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
What does Iran get for sending ballistic missiles to Russia?

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

New Atlanticist

Sep 10, 2024

What does Iran get for sending ballistic missiles to Russia?

By Mark N. Katz

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that Tehran has delivered shipments of ballistic missiles to Moscow, raising new concerns about the depth of the Iran-Russia relationship.

Conflict Iran

IranSource

Sep 10, 2024

Iranian-Americans have discovered their voice. Their activism will only grow stronger.

By Siamak Aram

It is rooted in Iranians' deep desire for sweeping political and societal transformation, specifically removing the Islamic Republic.

Civil Society Human Rights

In the News

Sep 9, 2024

Charai for National Interest: Whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump-Both Will Need to Get Tough on Iran

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Iran

In the News

Sep 4, 2024

Shaffer quoted in S&P Global on recent Houthi attacks on oil tankers
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

IranSource

Aug 29, 2024

Which side will Arabs take in an Iran-Israel war?

By Arash Azizi

Despite building a Resistance Axis, Iran will not enter with a good hand in any conflict that pulls in its Arab neighbors.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Aug 27, 2024

Panikoff joins International Risk Podcast to discuss Iran

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Aug 25, 2024

Citrinowicz quoted in Jewish Insider on Nasrallah’s warning of Iranian, Houthi attacks still to come

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iran

In the News

Aug 24, 2024

Panikoff joins the Modern War Institute Podcast to discuss the Israeli-Iranian rivalry and Middle Eastern security landscape

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iran

In the News

Aug 24, 2024

Katz joins The Prode to discuss Russia-Iran relations

By Atlantic Council

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Aug 22, 2024

Webster quoted in Energy Intelligence on Iran’s oil exports

By Joseph Webster

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Geopolitics & Energy Security
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Experts

Fellow

Simin Kargar

Nonresident Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Cybersecurity Disinformation

Fellow

Mark N. Katz

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

Fellow

Mark Klamberg

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

English European Union

Staff

Matthew Kroenig

Vice President, Geostrategy and Fellows and Senior Director, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Policy

Staff

Andrew L. Peek

Director

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Europe & Eurasia Intelligence

Fellow

Keir Lieber

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Policy
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