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.

Katz quoted by Who What Why on implications of Ukrainian invasion on Iran nuclear talks and Iran-Russia diplomacy

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
Katz quoted by Who What Why on implications of Ukrainian invasion on Iran nuclear talks and Iran-Russia diplomacy

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
Katz quoted by Who What Why on implications of Ukrainian invasion on Iran nuclear talks and Iran-Russia diplomacy

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

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Content

In the News

Mar 25, 2022

Katz quoted by Who What Why on implications of Ukrainian invasion on Iran nuclear talks and Iran-Russia diplomacy

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iran

In the News

Mar 24, 2022

Slavin quoted in CGTN on the Russia-Ukraine conflict’s potential to impact Iran nuclear talks

By Atlantic Council

Belarus Crisis Management

In the News

Mar 22, 2022

Sales quoted in Fox News on the consequences of potential sanctions being lifted from Iranian military

By Atlantic Council

Extremism Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Mar 22, 2022

Slavin in Morning Consult: Despite friction over the Nuclear Deal, Iran is sticking by an unpopular Russia — for now
Iran Middle East

In the News

Mar 22, 2022

Slavin quoted in Morning Consult on Russia-Iran relations amidst Vienna talks

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

IranSource

Mar 21, 2022

Israel and Iran need to turn down the heat. The UAE could be the best choice as conduit.

By Danny Citrinowicz

The UAE could help defuse tension with Iran at a time when Israeli military activity in Syria continues against Iran.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Mar 21, 2022

Katz in The National Interest: Why Russia upended the Iran Deal talks, and then backed down

"So long as Tehran favors the JCPOA, it is not in Russia’s interests to oppose it" writes Mark N. Katz.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Mar 21, 2022

Slavin quoted in ISPI: Iran, Russia and the JCPOA: Is a year of negotiations at risk?
Iran Middle East

In the News

Mar 19, 2022

Katz in The National: Why Russia Upended the Iran Deal Talks, And Then Backed Down

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Mar 19, 2022

Slavin quoted in TRT World on Israel’s position on US-Iran talks and it’s resistance to lifting of sanctions on Iranian forces

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran
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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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