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.

Ukraine needs enhanced air defenses as Russia expands missile arsenal

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
Ukraine needs enhanced air defenses as Russia expands missile arsenal

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
Ukraine needs enhanced air defenses as Russia expands missile arsenal

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

UkraineAlert

Mar 2, 2024

Ukraine needs enhanced air defenses as Russia expands missile arsenal

By Olivia Yanchik

With Russia now reportedly receiving missiles from both Iran and North Korea, it is time for Ukraine’s partners to step up their own deliveries of air defense systems, writes Olivia Yanchik.

Conflict Drones

In the News

Feb 28, 2024

Dagres joins Flashpoint Iran to discuss anniversary of Iranian Revolution

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Feb 28, 2024

March 1 is the upcoming Iranian elections. The terrain looks more divided than ever.

By Arash Azizi

With widespread disillusionment with the Islamic Republic and its unrepresentative institutions, few people care to take part in these elections.

Elections Human Rights

In the News

Feb 27, 2024

Shaffer quoted in S&P Global on Iranian oil exports
Iran Middle East

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Katz in The Russia Program: What Underlies Moscow’s Good Relations with the US’s Middle East Partners in the Ukraine War Era?

By Atlantic Council

Arms Control Iran

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Katz quoted in Tukye on tensions between Iran and Pakistan

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Sales quoted in Daily Caller on US responses to Houthi rebels and Iran

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Sales joins Sky News to discuss Iran backing of Houthis in Red Sea attacks

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Samaan in Channel News Asia: Commentary: After a fatal strike, restraint becomes a challenging option for the US

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Sales quoted in Foreign Policy on countering Iran with force

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management
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Experts

Fellow

Carmiel Arbit

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Civil Society Extremism

Fellow

Colin Brooks

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Fellow

Danny Citrinowicz  

Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Cybersecurity

Fellow

Ariel Cohen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Central Asia Politics & Diplomacy

Fellow

Jonathan Fulton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

China Chinese
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