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.

Content

New Atlanticist

Apr 14, 2024

Iran is trying to create a new normal with its attack. Here’s how Israel and the US should respond.

By William F. Wechsler

Tehran is trying to set a precedent that it can attack Israel directly, that it can do so from Iranian soil, and that it can target civilians inside Israel.

Iran Israel

In the News

Apr 14, 2024

Vinograd on CBS “Face the Nation” about terrorism escalating since the Israel-Hamas conflict and US national security

On April 14, Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow Samantha Vinograd appeared on CBS “Face the Nation” with Margaret Brennan to discuss the increasing amount of terrorism around the globe since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict and its implications for US national security and Israeli-Iranian tension.

Conflict Defense Policy

Fast Thinking

Apr 13, 2024

Will Iran’s unprecedented strike on Israel lead to a regional war?

By Atlantic Council

Iranian forces launched more than two hundred drones and missiles against Israel. Atlantic Council experts share their insights on what might happen next.

Conflict Iran

New Atlanticist

Apr 13, 2024

Experts react: Iran just unleashed a major attack on Israel. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council experts

What will Israel do next? Has a wider regional war begun? What role will the United States play? Our experts weigh in below.

Conflict Iran

IranSource

Apr 12, 2024

Iranians sacrificed their lives to share videos of regime violence. Now there’s an online archive for the world to see. 

By Cameran Ashraf

The Iranian Archive holds more than one million videos to ensure that the Women, Life, Freedom uprising led by women would not be erased.

Digital Policy Human Rights

In the News

Apr 12, 2024

Polymeropoulos on MSNBC about the Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria

On April 12, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Marc Polymeropoulous spoke on MSNBC in response to the White House’s “ironclad” support for Israel after the strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria.

Conflict Defense Policy

Inflection Points Today

Apr 10, 2024

Why attention must refocus on Iran

By Frederick Kempe

The most effective way to address Iran’s regional ambitions is to return as quickly as possible to the path of normalization between Israel and modernizing Arab states.

Crisis Management Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Apr 10, 2024

Four ways Iran could retaliate against Israel’s latest strike

By Jonathan Panikoff

The question is whether Iran most wants to meaningfully deter Israel or to avoid regional escalation—because Tehran probably cannot do both.

Conflict Crisis Management

IranSource

Apr 9, 2024

Iran talks a big game. But it’s limited in its ability to respond to Israel. 

By Saeid Jafari

There is no doubt that Tehran will respond in some capacity. However, the main issue is that Iran cannot provide an effective and equivalent response.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Apr 8, 2024

Vinograd interviewed on CBS about a recent Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria

On April 8, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Samantha Vinograd appeared on CBS discussing Iran’s vow to retaliate after an Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria and the implications for regional, global, and US national security.

Conflict Crisis Management

Experts