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.

Slavin on Tunisia’s Islamist Leader

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 Tunisia’s Islamist Leader

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 Tunisia’s Islamist Leader

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

In the News

Feb 26, 2014

Slavin on Tunisia’s Islamist Leader

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin covers Tunisian political leader Rachid Ghannouchi’s visit to Washington for Al Monitor:

Iran

In the News

Feb 21, 2014

Slavin on Iran Negotiations

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin joins Voice of America’s “Encounter” program to discuss the outcome of recent talks to curb Iran’s nuclear program:

Iran

SouthAsiaSource

Feb 21, 2014

This Week in South Asia: February 15-21

Commentary from the South Asia Center on the most relevant news from the region, and suggested “must-read” analyses from the week. IndiaThe controversial ‘Telangana Bill’ was passed by both houses of India’s Parliament this week, thereby carving out India’s 29th state, Telangana, from an inland section of the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. As […]

Afghanistan India

Event Recap

Feb 21, 2014

Working Group on Deterring a Nuclear-Armed Iran

Despite the interim agreement on the Iranian nuclear program in November 2013, Iran’s nuclear program remains perhaps the greatest emerging challenge to US national and regional security interests. US President Barack Obama has made it abundantly clear that a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable and that the administration is prepared to do whatever it takes to […]

Iran

Uncategorized

Feb 20, 2014

Slavin on Aleppo Survey

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes on the recent survey of Aleppo residents for Al Monitor:

Iran Syria

In the News

Feb 20, 2014

Slavin in Al Jazeera America: Time for American Diplomats in Iran?

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Al Jazeera America that it may be time to send American diplomats back to Iran:

Iran

Event Recap

Feb 19, 2014

Reestablishing a US Diplomatic Presence in Iran

Reestablishing an American diplomatic presence in Iran is in the national security interests of the United States and would not constitute a reconciliation with Iran, argues a newly released Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) report, “Reestablishing a US Diplomatic Presence in Iran: Advancing US National Security and serving American Citizens.” This presence, given […]

Iran

In the News

Feb 18, 2014

Slavin on US Interests Section in Iran

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes about a study recommending an American interests section in Iran for Al Monitor:

Iran

In the News

Feb 16, 2014

LeBaron on Iran Deal: “A Tough Sell”

By Richard LeBaron

Voice of America quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Richard LeBaron on the nuclear negotiations between the P5+1 countries and Iran:

Iran

New Atlanticist

Feb 15, 2014

To Disarm Iran’s Threat, Offer It a Nuclear Future Like Japan’s

By James Rupert

As the international community resumes negotiations February 18 on a way to avert the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran, former State Department policy planner Robert Manning says the two sides might work toward a solution that lets Iran build nuclear “fuel cycle” capabilities similar to those of Japan. Manning, an Atlantic Council senior fellow, calls […]

Iran
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Jonathan Fulton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

China Chinese

Fellow

Bahar Ghandehari

Junior Policy Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Afghanistan English

Fellow

Michelle S. Giuda

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Freedom and Prosperity Politics & Diplomacy

Staff

Britt Gronemeyer

Assistant Director, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Organizations

Fellow

Nicholas Hopton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia Iran

Fellow

Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Former Researcher

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arms Control Civil Society
Load More