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 InkStick: The Iran deal is in limbo

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 InkStick: The Iran deal is in limbo

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 InkStick: The Iran deal is in limbo

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

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

In the News

Apr 15, 2022

Azodi joins Crashing the War Party to discuss US-Iran relations amidst looming midterm elections

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Apr 12, 2022

The Internet ‘Protection Bill’ will hurt all Iranians, but the queer community will have the most to lose

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

International human rights organizations and the United Nations are saying a lot about the repressive “Protection Bill.” However, not much light has been shed on one of the most marginalized groups that will suffer the most: Iran’s LGBTQI community.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Apr 11, 2022

Wald joins Bloomberg to discuss Iran’s oil geopolitics
Europe & Eurasia Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Apr 8, 2022

Slavin quoted in Inside Arabia: Can the UAE Distance Syria from Iran?
Conflict Iran

In the News

Apr 6, 2022

Slavin in Mediterranean Dialogues: To Deal or not to Deal: JCPOA at a Crossroads
Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran
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Experts

Fellow

Anthony J. Ruggiero

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Arms Control Defense Policy

Fellow

Nilofar Sakhi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

South Asia Center

Afghanistan Arabic

Expert

Nate Swanson

Resident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism

Staff

William F. Wechsler

Senior Director, Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

National Security Middle East

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