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.

Iranian drones have proliferated under US watch

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
Iranian drones have proliferated under US watch

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
Iranian drones have proliferated under US watch

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

IranSource

Apr 2, 2024

Iranian drones have proliferated under US watch

By Daniel E. Mouton

Although the solution to stop the spread of Iranian drones is complex, it is important to note that there were plenty of warnings and time for the United States to prepare its defenses.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Mar 30, 2024

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

Read the full article here.

China Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Mar 29, 2024

Donovan and Nikoladze featured by Business Insider on illicit oil trade between Russia, China, and Iran

Read the full article here.

China Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

New Atlanticist

Mar 28, 2024

The axis of evasion: Behind China’s oil trade with Iran and Russia

By Kimberly Donovan, Maia Nikoladze

Beijing has developed a way to import Iranian and Russian oil while bypassing the Western financial system and shipping services.

China Economy & Business

IranSource

Mar 27, 2024

Ex-minister Zarif confirms Iran’s reform movement is dead

By Shay Khatiri

The audio leak confirms that there was, in fact, a sincere reform movement in the 1990s, and now that movement is dead.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Mar 26, 2024

Shaffer quoted in Aze Media on the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant
Eastern Europe Energy & Environment

IranSource

Mar 22, 2024

‘Unification of the arenas’ might turn from an opportunity for Iran into a threat

By Raz Zimmt

Hamas’s decision to start a war at a time not determined by Iran created a situation of escalating risks.

Conflict Iran

IranSource

Mar 21, 2024

It’s morally imperative that the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran be extended. Here’s why.

By Rose Parris Richter and Azadeh Pourzand

The need for the FFMI's mandate to be extended for an additional year lies in the gravity and scope of its findings and the ongoing and escalating atrocities documented since the initial report.

Civil Society Conflict

In the News

Mar 20, 2024

Kroenig spoke on the Congressional Commission on US Strategic Posture at ExchangeMonitor Nuclear Deterrence Summit

By Atlantic Council

Matthew Kroenig spoke at the ExchangeMonitor Nuclear Deterrence Summit as a member of the Congressional Commission on U.S. Strategic Posture.

China Iran

MENASource

Mar 20, 2024

Tony Pfaff: The ethics of proxy relationships applies to everyone

By Holly Dagres

The academic and former US government official was interviewed by our MENASource editor to discuss his most recent book and its implications for US foreign policy.

Defense Policy Iran
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Experts

Fellow

Simin Kargar

Nonresident Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Cybersecurity Disinformation

Fellow

Mark N. Katz

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

Fellow

Mark Klamberg

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

English European Union

Staff

Matthew Kroenig

Vice President, Geostrategy and Fellows and Senior Director, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Policy

Staff

Andrew L. Peek

Director

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Europe & Eurasia Intelligence

Fellow

Keir Lieber

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Policy
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