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.

Dispatch from Beirut: Is this Hezbollah’s ‘last war’ with Israel?

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
Dispatch from Beirut: Is this Hezbollah’s ‘last war’ with Israel?

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
Dispatch from Beirut: Is this Hezbollah’s ‘last war’ with Israel?

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

Dispatches

Mar 11, 2026

Dispatch from Beirut: Is this Hezbollah’s ‘last war’ with Israel?

By Nicholas Blanford

Hezbollah’s strategy, likely in coordination with Iran, appears to be to inflict as much pain on Israel for as long as possible.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Mar 10, 2026

Galicia interviewed on News4JAX on the ongoing war between the US, Israel, and Iran

On March 10, 2026, Scowcroft Center Assistant Director for Strategy and Operations, Bailey Galicia, was interviewed on News4JAX on the ongoing conflict with Iran. He discusses US posture in the Middle East and implications for regional partners.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Mar 10, 2026

Kroenig quoted in Fox News about US action in Iran

By Atlantic Council

On March 9, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in Fox News on US strategy in Iran, arguing that President Trump's advisors see themselves as supporting the President's vision.

Iran Security & Defense

MENASource

Mar 10, 2026

Will the Houthis join the Iran war?

By Allison Minor

Houthi involvement in the Iran war could reignite the Yemen war after four years of relative calm, with significant implications for Yemen and the region.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Mar 10, 2026

How to understand the Iran war market swings: A geopolitical put option

By Khalid Azim

The two most important determinants of an option’s price are time to expiration and volatility.

Economy & Business Iran

EnergySource

Mar 10, 2026

‘Energy dominance’ reconsidered: From domestic abundance to global strategic leverage

By Sara Vakhshouri

Recent geopolitical developments, including the war in Iran, reveal an expanding definition of "energy dominance."

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Podcast

Mar 9, 2026

Fighting mercenaries: A Ukrainian soldier’s perspective

By Alia Brahimi

In Season 2, Episode 15 of the Guns for Hire podcast, host Alia Brahimi is joined by Dimko Zhluktenko, a Ukrainian drone pilot and analyst within the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Ukrainian military. They discuss the realities of drone warfare in Ukraine, as well as the ways in which mercenary forces change the nature and tempo of battle.

Drones Eastern Europe

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

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

UkraineAlert

Mar 5, 2026

Iran war could save Vladimir Putin’s failing Ukraine invasion

By Peter Dickinson

While Russia’s inability to assist Iran is undoubtedly embarrassing for the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin could still emerge as a key beneficiary of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Drones
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Yesar Al-Maleki

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Geopolitics & Energy Security

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
Load More