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.

Freezing Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions: Faux Pas, Fiasco, or Flash of Genius?

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

Freezing Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions: Faux Pas, Fiasco, or Flash of Genius?

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

Freezing Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions: Faux Pas, Fiasco, or Flash of Genius?

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

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Content

New Atlanticist

Nov 27, 2013

Freezing Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions: Faux Pas, Fiasco, or Flash of Genius?

By Harlan Ullman

In an extraordinary time, by any measure last week was extraordinary. On Thursday, the Senate went nuclear. The super-majority requirement of sixty votes that allowed the revered “filibuster” to block confirmation of most presidential appointees was ended. Friday marked the fiftieth anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s death. And Sunday brought the news of a nuclear […]

Iran

MENASource

Nov 26, 2013

How the Gulf States Will and Won’t Respond to the Iran Agreement

By Richard LeBaron

Gulf states have cautiously greeted the interim nuclear agreement between the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, the EU and Iran. The Saudi statement on Monday treads lightly—”The government of the kingdom sees that if there was goodwill, this agreement could represent a preliminary step towards a comprehensive solution to the Iranian nuclear program.” In […]

Iran Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Nov 26, 2013

Dealing Away the Middle East?

By Faysal Itani

In the abstract and in isolation, a US-Iranian nuclear deal is a welcome development. While it does not eliminate Iran’s nuclear program, it does complicate any future Iranian efforts to develop a robust nuclear military capability. It also shows that the United States and Iran, two sworn enemies, are capable of rationally pursuing their interests […]

Iran
Russian Foreign Ministery Sergei Lavrov and Secretary of State John Kerry, July 2, 2013

NATOSource

Nov 25, 2013

Lavrov: Iran Deal Nullifies Needs for Europe Missile Shield

By RIA Novosti and RT

From RIA Novosti:  Implementation of a deal on Iran’s nuclear program reached in Geneva this weekend will make the US missile defense system in Europe unnecessary, Russia’s foreign minister said Monday.

Iran Missile Defense

New Atlanticist

Nov 25, 2013

Agreement a Step Forward

By Jofi Joseph

But Still Only a First Step The announcement early Sunday morning in Geneva of an initial agreement between the P5+1 world powers and Iran represents a significant achievement in long-standing efforts to halt the latter’s nuclear program. Much ink has already been spilled debating the merits of this package of confidence-building measures (CBMs), but there […]

Iran

New Atlanticist

Nov 25, 2013

Nuclear Deal is a Win-Win for US, Iran, and Even Israel

By Barbara Slavin

The ink was not dry on the historic Geneva nuclear accord with Iran before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced it as a “historic mistake” that would allow Iran to cheat and get closer to nuclear weapons. Netanyahu may have been doing Iran a favor. By criticizing the deal so harshly, he will make it easier for […]

Iran

New Atlanticist

Nov 25, 2013

What’s In the Iran Deal?

By US Dept of State

Fact Sheet: First Step Understandings Regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Nuclear Program

Iran

New Atlanticist

Nov 25, 2013

Now for the hard part

By Matthew Kroenig

Early Sunday morning in Geneva, the P5+1 and Iran announced that they had reached an interim deal on Iran’s nuclear program. Many are heralding the agreement as an historic breakthrough, and the deal does indeed buy us time, but it is much too early to declare victory. Indeed, the Iranian nuclear crisis might still very […]

Iran Nuclear Nonproliferation

New Atlanticist

Nov 24, 2013

Iran Nuclear Deal: Three Questions with Ambassador Nick Burns

By Nicholas Burns

Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program on Sunday in exchange for initial sanctions relief. Sounds like good news to many, who say the detente between Tehran and the West could help avoid war in the Middle East. But of course nothing is that easy, and already Israel has called the step a “historic mistake.” Which […]

Iran

New Atlanticist

Nov 23, 2013

Statement By The President On First Step Agreement On Iran’s Nuclear Program

THE PRESIDENT:  Good evening.  Today, the United States — together with our close allies and partners — took an important first step toward a comprehensive solution that addresses our concerns with the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear program. Since I took office, I’ve made clear my determination to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.  […]

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