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.

Slavin in Arab Center DC event: Will the Qatar talks produce a nuclear deal with Iran?

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
Slavin in Arab Center DC event: Will the Qatar talks produce a nuclear deal with Iran?

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
Slavin in Arab Center DC event: Will the Qatar talks produce a nuclear deal with Iran?

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

In the News

Jun 28, 2022

Slavin in Arab Center DC event: Will the Qatar talks produce a nuclear deal with Iran?

By Atlantic Council

Iran Nuclear Deterrence

In the News

Jun 27, 2022

Azodi quoted in Media Line on Qatar’s role in mediating US-Iran talks

By Atlantic Council

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jun 24, 2022

Dagres quoted in The National News after girls were arrested in Iran after removing their hijabs at a skateboarding event

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Iran

In the News

Jun 24, 2022

Slavin quoted in Newsweek on Mike Pence’s support of the formerly designated terrorist group MEK in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran Security & Defense

MENASource

Jun 22, 2022

The immutable Muqtada al-Sadr loses a battle against Iran

By Andrew L. Peek

The June 12 decision by Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to renounce his electoral victory and collapse the government formation process is a gift to Iran.

Iran Iraq

In the News

Jun 21, 2022

Zais in Real Clear Energy: Iran’s threat to Kurdistan is a greater challenge to the oil market than OPEC

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Jun 21, 2022

Panikoff quoted in CNN on Israel’s strategy for ending Iranian nuclear weapons development

By Atlantic Council

Iran Israel

In the News

Jun 19, 2022

Ashford in Foreign Policy: The problem with being a petrostate

By Atlantic Council

On June 19, Foreign Policy published an excerpt of Emma Ashford’s new book, Oil, the State and War, entitled “The Problem with Being a Petrostate.” In the excerpt, Ashford discusses the phenomena of oil-wealthy states being more likely than other countries to start wars. Then, Ashford rebuts the idea of the oil weapon, concluding “it is thus […]

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

In the News

Jun 18, 2022

Slavin quoted in Tehran Times on how Iran should respond to the JCPOA

By Atlantic Council

Iran Nuclear Deterrence

In the News

Jun 16, 2022

Slavin interviewed on Al Hurra about the current state of US-Iran negotiations

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Iran
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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
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