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.

Content

MENASource

Aug 25, 2023

The BRICS come to the Middle East and North Africa

By Mark N. Katz

For Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in particular, joining BRICS is a statement that while they cooperate with the United States and the West, they also cooperate with Russia and China

International Financial Institutions Iran

New Atlanticist

Aug 24, 2023

BRICS is doubling its membership. Is the bloc a new rival for the G7?  

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts share their insights on what the addition of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia to the group might mean.

Africa Brazil

IranSource

Aug 24, 2023

This is how Iranian history shapes the Islamic Republic’s relationship with the world

By Kelly Shannon

Iranians have a long historical memory, and Iran’s foreign policy is shaped in many ways by the nation’s history.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Aug 22, 2023

Iran has a hostage-taking model. It’s long overdue that the US build a policy around it.

By Jason Brodsky

Much of the controversy over an Iran hostage agreement has to do with the lack of a multilateral strategy to deter hostage-taking.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

IranSource

Aug 18, 2023

What are ‘targeted human rights sanctions,’ and why are they used for Iran?

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

Reports announcing targeted sanctions designations often fail to mention what they are, how they work, and whether they are effective.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

IranSource

Aug 17, 2023

The Levinson Act means all Americans must return home—not just citizens

By Celeste Kmiotek

Shahab Dalili, Afshin Sheikholeslami Vatani, and Jamshid Sharmahd are all considered US nationals under the Levinson Act.

Human Rights Iran

IranSource

Aug 15, 2023

Women in Iran fight to break Islamic Republic ‘cage’

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

“I will not return to that cage. I will not bow before bondage.”

Civil Society Human Rights

IranSource

Aug 3, 2023

Khamenei is the best option to negotiate over Iran’s nuclear program. The next Supreme Leader won’t be so willing. 

By Danny Citrinowicz  

Considering the new leader's need to accede to IRGC demands, it seems Iran's future Supreme Leader won’t be able to satisfy the West.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Jul 26, 2023

Iran targeted human rights sanctions series: UK designates the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

The United Kingdom designated the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution and its new secretary, Abdol Hossein Khosrow Panah, on July 6.

Human Rights Iran

MENASource

Jul 18, 2023

Is Russia really siding with the UAE against Iran?

By Mark N. Katz

For Russia to endorse the GCC's position on three islands is especially surprising, considering how much Iran has done to support Moscow.

Iran Middle East

Experts