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.

Slavin on Russia-Iran Relations

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

Slavin on Russia-Iran Relations

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

Slavin on Russia-Iran Relations

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

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Content

In the News

Aug 7, 2014

Slavin on Russia-Iran Relations

By Barbara Slavin

Natural Gas Daily quotes South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin on how Russia’s relationship with Iran may affect affect nuclear negotiations with the P5+1 countries:

Iran Russia

In the News

Aug 7, 2014

Mardini on Iranian Policy in Iraq

By Ramzy Mardini

The Economist quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on Iranian involvement in the ongoing conflict in Iraq:

Iran

SouthAsiaSource

Aug 1, 2014

This Week in South Asia: July 26 – August 1

By Nameerah Hameed and Fahad Ahsan

Commentary from the South Asia Center on the most relevant news from the region, and suggested “must-read” analyses from the week. IndiaUS Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in India on Wednesday for an annual strategic dialogue, the first with Prime Minister Narenda Modi’s new government. The purpose of the visit is to address deep […]

Afghanistan India

Article

Jul 29, 2014

Column: Free Jason Rezaian, Other Iranian American Detainees

By Barbara Slavin

All Iranian Americans who travel to Iran know they face a certain amount of risk. Obliged to use Iranian passports instead of obtaining visas like other Americans, Iranian Americans can easily be barred from leaving the country and become pawns in the three-decade-old U.S.-Iran confrontation as well as in Iran’s complicated domestic political battles. The […]

International Organizations Iran

Event Recap

Jul 29, 2014

The Enemy of My Enemy: An Uneasy Coalition and the Threat of ISIS

By The Atlantic Council

The alarming expansion of the jihadist group the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) has prompted regional and international powerbrokers with vested security and economic interests in the broader Middle East to reassess their regional strategies. The United States and key Gulf states on one side, and Iran and Syria on the other, share […]

Iran Iraq

In the News

Jul 28, 2014

Slavin on Human Rights in Iran

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Al-Monitor on how the human rights situation is deteriorating for Iran’s minority populations:

Iran

MENASource

Jul 28, 2014

Maliki’s Last Dance?

By Ramzy Mardini

Iraq’s parliamentarians elected a new president last week, advancing the process of forming a government to the most vexing phase in determining who will become the next prime minister.

Iran Iraq

SouthAsiaSource

Jul 25, 2014

This Week in South Asia: July 19 – 25

By Nameerah Hameed and Fahad Ahsan

Commentary from the South Asia Center on the most relevant news from the region, and suggested “must-read” analyses from the week. IranIran and six world powers decided on July 18 to extend the deadline for an agreement with its nuclear negotiators for another four months. In the meantime, Iran will take more steps to neutralize […]

Afghanistan India

In the News

Jul 23, 2014

Slavin on Nuclear Negotiations with Iran

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Al-Monitor on the Obama administration’s decision to continue nuclear negotiations with Iran: 

Iran

Event Recap

Jul 18, 2014

The Consequences of No Nuclear Deal with Iran

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council – United States, France, Russia, China and the UK – plus Germany are in a crucial moment in negotiations with Iran to reach a comprehensive agreement over its use of nuclear power. This group of countries, known as the P5+1, are adamant to ensure that Iran […]

International Organizations Iran
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Experts

Expert

Nate Swanson

Resident Senior Fellow

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