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.

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/iran-kurdish-uprising-article-image-1-500x350.jpg" alt="I’m a former Syrian civil society activist. Syrians can’t tell Iranians how to win, but we can share lessons we learned the hard way.” class=”gta-horizontal-featured–img” />

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
<img decoding="async" src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-06T103315Z_196194989_RC2YYJAJBHGX_RTRMADP_3_IRAN-CRISIS-500x350.jpg" alt="I’m a former Syrian civil society activist. Syrians can’t tell Iranians how to win, but we can share lessons we learned the hard way.” class=”gta-horizontal-featured–img” />

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
<img decoding="async" src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/iran-uprising-pino-image-1-scaled-e1773086756314-500x350.jpg" alt="I’m a former Syrian civil society activist. Syrians can’t tell Iranians how to win, but we can share lessons we learned the hard way.” class=”gta-horizontal-featured–img” />

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

Dec 22, 2022

<strong>I’m a former Syrian civil society activist. Syrians can’t tell Iranians how to win, but we can share lessons we learned the hard way.</strong>

By Ibrahim Al-Assil

Be the Iran you want to see.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Dec 21, 2022

Khamenei appears to be pushing for subtle reforms in Iran, but it’s all just a ruse

By Anonymous

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appears to be willing to risk the disintegration of Iran as long as he remains in power.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Dec 19, 2022

Shaffer in De Gruyter: Iran is More than Persia: Ethnic Politics in Iran
Energy & Environment Iran

IranSource

Dec 14, 2022

<strong>Iran’s protests intensify calls for Shia clerics to step back from politics</strong>

By Fardad

Even before the outbreak of nationwide protests following the beating death of Mahsa Jina Amini, voices within the seminaries have been calling for a reduction of the role of the clergy in political affairs.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Dec 8, 2022

Nia quoted in Reuters on protests in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Dec 8, 2022

Nia joins BBC to discuss protests in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Dec 8, 2022

Nia joins CNN to discuss protests in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Dec 8, 2022

Dagres quoted in NBC News on her Iranians on #SocialMedia Report

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Dec 8, 2022

Dagres quoted in NYT on her Iranians on #SocialMedia Report

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Dec 8, 2022

Dagres quoted in Washington Post on protests in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East
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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
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Events

Public Event Mon, April 13, 2026 • 12:30 pm ET

The IEA’s Fatih Birol on global energy market resilience in a moment of crisis

AN AC FRONT PAGE EVENT—Fatih Birol discusses how the International Energy Agency is guiding governments and markets through a complex energy landscape.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran