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 quoted in Reuters on US enforcement of Iran oil sanctions

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 quoted in Reuters on US enforcement of Iran oil sanctions

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 quoted in Reuters on US enforcement of Iran oil sanctions

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

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Content

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

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
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Experts

Fellow

Jonathan Fulton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

China Chinese

Fellow

Bahar Ghandehari

Junior Policy Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Afghanistan English

Fellow

Michelle S. Giuda

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Freedom and Prosperity Politics & Diplomacy

Staff

Britt Gronemeyer

Assistant Director, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Organizations

Fellow

Nicholas Hopton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia Iran

Fellow

Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Former Researcher

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arms Control Civil Society
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