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.

How Iran’s interpretation of the world order affects its foreign policy

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
How Iran’s interpretation of the world order affects its foreign 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
How Iran’s interpretation of the world order affects its foreign policy

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

May 11, 2022

How Iran’s interpretation of the world order affects its foreign policy

By Javad Heiran-Nia

There is a gap between the psychological milieu of Iranian political elites and the real-world balance of power.

Iran Middle East

In the News

May 10, 2022

Slavin quoted in Al Monitor on developing Iran-Saudi relations and it’s impact on nuclear talks

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

IranSource

May 3, 2022

Iran sanctions raise doubts about the success of economic pressure on Russia

By Ebad Ebadi

One parallel for the new Russia sanctions can been seen in the even more stringent measures imposed against its ally, Iran. 

Iran Middle East

In the News

Apr 29, 2022

Slavin quoted in Al-Monitor: Regional diplomacy could break deadlock on Iran’s IRGC
Iran Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Apr 28, 2022

Israel’s PM gave a Holocaust Remembrance speech without mentioning Iran. It signals a new approach.

By Daniel B. Shapiro

Naftali Bennett signals confidence that Israel will be vigilant and strong. That confidence grows out of more than just a different philosophical approach.

Iran Israel

In the News

Apr 28, 2022

Slavin in InkStick: The Iran deal is in limbo

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

In the News

Apr 28, 2022

Slavin in Inkstick: The Iran Nuclear Deal is in limbo “Why is diplomacy losing momentum?”
Iran Middle East

IranSource

Apr 21, 2022

Ableism exists online amongst Iranian women’s rights activists. It needs to be addressed.

By Ahou Koutchesfahani

Understanding the intersectionality of the feminist and disabled causes is important in the struggle for an open society that countless activists are striving towards. 

Human Rights Iran

In the News

Apr 21, 2022

Dagres quoted in The New Arab on Iran’s detention of Australian citizen and IRGC interrogations

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights Iran

In the News

Apr 18, 2022

Chamlou joins VOA Farsi to discuss Iran’s recent economic developments with the IMF and World Bank

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Farsi
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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

Online Event Fri, April 10, 2026 • 9:30 am ET

The Red Sea front and Yemen’s role in the Iran war
Economy & Business Energy & Environment Iran Middle East
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