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.

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

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

In the News

Apr 15, 2024

Wechsler join CBS News to discuss the Iranian attack on Israel

By Atlantic Council

Crisis Management Iran

In the News

Apr 15, 2024

Vinograd on CBS News explaining the current Israel-Iran tensions after Iranian missile strikes

On April 15, Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow Samantha Vinograd appeared on CBS News to discuss Israel-Iran tensions after Israeli air defense, supported by the US and allies, intercepted over more than 300 Iranian drones and missiles.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Apr 15, 2024

Goldwyn and Shaffer quoted in S&P Global on Iranian oil sanctions
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
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Experts

Fellow

Yesar Al-Maleki

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Geopolitics & Energy Security

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
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