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.

Jordan took out Iranian munitions over its airspace. Now it has tensions with its people and Iran.

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
Jordan took out Iranian munitions over its airspace. Now it has tensions with its people and Iran.

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
Jordan took out Iranian munitions over its airspace. Now it has tensions with its people and Iran.

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

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Content

MENASource

Apr 18, 2024

Jordan took out Iranian munitions over its airspace. Now it has tensions with its people and Iran.

By Aaron Magid

A full-scale Iran-Israel war would likely harm the Hashemite Kingdom, which is squeezed between the two more powerful adversaries.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Apr 18, 2024

Wechsler joins DW News to discuss the response to Iran’s attack on Israel

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iran

In the News

Apr 17, 2024

Nusairat quoted in ISPI on Jordan’s intervention in Iran’s attack on Israel

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iran

In the News

Apr 16, 2024

Donovan and Nikoladze cited by Politico on oil trade between China, Russia, and Iran

Read the full article here.

China Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Apr 16, 2024

Donovan quoted in Business Times on US enforcement of Iran oil sanctions

Read the full article here.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

In the News

Apr 16, 2024

Donovan quoted in Reuters on US enforcement of Iran oil sanctions

Read the full article here.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

Inflection Points Today

Apr 15, 2024

Iran and the de-escalation myth

By Frederick Kempe

It won’t be de-escalation that will save lives after Iran’s unprecedented weekend attack, but a more determined and unmistakable deterrence.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Apr 15, 2024

Shaffer quoted in S&P Global on Iranian oil sanctions
Energy Markets & Governance Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Apr 15, 2024

Charai in the National Interest: Iran Strikes Israel: What’s Next?

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Apr 15, 2024

Charai in the Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Iran’s Attack Requires a Broad Response

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management
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Experts

Fellow

Nilofar Sakhi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

South Asia Center

Afghanistan Arabic

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