Islamic Resistance in Iraq appears to be responsible for attacks in the country and there’s no end in sight 

Dispatches Jan 28, 2026

The expert conversation: Should Trump strike Iran? What happens next if he does?

By Jason M. Brodsky and Danny Citrinowicz

As the USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in the Middle East, two experts debate the opportunities, uncertainties, and risks of a US strike on Iran.
Iran Middle East
Islamic Resistance in Iraq appears to be responsible for attacks in the country and there’s no end in sight 

Dispatches Jan 23, 2026

What Trump could do next in Iran

By Nate Swanson

As a US carrier strike group nears the Persian Gulf, what options does US President Donald Trump have to strike against the Iranian regime?
Iran Middle East
Islamic Resistance in Iraq appears to be responsible for attacks in the country and there’s no end in sight 

MENASource Jan 14, 2026

Voices from Iran: As rejection of government reaches all-time high, Iranians also wary of foreign intervention

By Tara Kangarlou

If Trump is serious about peace, stability, and a lasting legacy, the path forward does not run through air strikes or transactional deals with a failing theocracy.
Civil Society Crisis Management

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

MENASource

Nov 22, 2023

Islamic Resistance in Iraq appears to be responsible for attacks in the country and there’s no end in sight 

By Lizzie Porter

Iraq is witnessing part of the regional fallout from the Israel-Hamas war, and Iraqi bases housing US troops are feeling that most forcefully.

Iran
Iraq

IranSource

Nov 17, 2023

The Gaza war is a reminder that the US needs to reevaluate its Iran policy

By Shukriya Bradost

Despite the Biden administration's efforts to prevent a further escalation and the expansion of the Israel-Hamas war in the region, Iran-backed militia groups continue to challenge US forces.

Iran
Israel

Issue Brief

Nov 15, 2023

US homeland missile defense: Room for expanded roles

By Robert Soofer and Matthew Costlow

Matthew Costlow & Robert Soofer explore how expanded roles for US homeland missile defense could enhance deterrence with two nuclear peers

China
Defense Policy

IranSource

Nov 9, 2023

The Gaza war probably won’t change Iran’s nuclear strategy. It’ll make it difficult to reach a long-term agreement, though.

By Danny Citrinowicz  

For now, Iranian deterrence is working, since Tehran is not paying any price for its proxy activity.

Iran
Israel

IranSource

Nov 8, 2023

The Gaza war raises questions about the future of Iran’s Resistance Axis

By Raz Zimmt

The Gaza war presents the first significant test of the level of cooperation present among the elements of the Iran-led Resistance Axis.

Iran
Israel

In the News

Nov 2, 2023

Lipsky published in Politico on economic statecraft.

By Josh Lipsky

Read the full Op-Ed here.

Extremism
Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Nov 1, 2023

Lipsky quoted in New York Times’ DealBook on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Read the full newsletter here.

Extremism
Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Nov 1, 2023

Bauerle Danzman quoted in Bloomberg on political risk and elections.

Read the full article here.

Extremism
Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Oct 30, 2023

Global Sanctions Dashboard: How Iran evades sanctions and finances terrorist organizations like Hamas included in the Illicit Edge Newsletter

Read the full newsletter here.

Extremism
Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Oct 30, 2023

Mohseni-Cheraghlou cited in Semafor on trade in the African continent.

Read the full newsletter here.

Extremism
Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion
Load More

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
Load More

Events

Public Event Fri, February 27, 2026 • 1:00 pm ET

Reporters at risk: Navigating Iran’s internet blackout
Iran Middle East Resilience Resilience & Society