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 Mediterranean Dialogues: To Deal or not to Deal: JCPOA at a Crossroads

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 Mediterranean Dialogues: To Deal or not to Deal: JCPOA at a Crossroads

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 Mediterranean Dialogues: To Deal or not to Deal: JCPOA at a Crossroads

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 6, 2022

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

In the News

Apr 6, 2022

Slavin quoted in the Daily Mail on concerns about Iran nuclear deal in Congress

By Atlantic Council

Arms Control Extremism

In the News

Apr 6, 2022

Azodi quoted in Al Jazeera US-Iran nuclear talks and possible concessions in final stages

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

IranSource

Apr 5, 2022

The potential side benefits of a revived JCPOA for Middle East stability

By Barbara Slavin

If there is to be any chance of recalibrating this policy after Khamenei dies, as many inside Iran and outside it would like to see, reviving the JCPOA is a necessary first step.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Apr 2, 2022

Friedlander cited in the Economist on illegal oil shipments as a means of sanctions evasion

Read the full article here.

Conflict Economy & Business

In the News

Mar 30, 2022

Katz quoted in Who What Why: With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Iranian nuclear deal hangs in the balance
Iran Middle East

In the News

Mar 30, 2022

Slavin in CGTN America: The Heat: Iran nuclear deal talks
Iran Middle East

IranSource

Mar 30, 2022

Iran won’t break with Russia over Ukraine. Here’s why.

By Javad Heiran-Nia

There are no signs that Tehran is walking away from its relationship with Moscow despite Russia’s actions toward Iran and its invasion of Ukraine.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Mar 29, 2022

Sales in Fox News: Iran nuclear talks: Biden shouldn’t turn a blind eye to terrorism to secure deal

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

In the News

Mar 27, 2022

Slavin joins BBC UK to discuss historic summit in Israel with Arab nations
Iran Israel
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Experts

Fellow

Jonathan Fulton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

China Chinese

Fellow

Bahar Ghandehari

Junior Policy Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Afghanistan English

Fellow

Michelle S. Giuda

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Freedom and Prosperity Politics & Diplomacy

Staff

Britt Gronemeyer

Assistant Director, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Organizations

Fellow

Nicholas Hopton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia Iran

Fellow

Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Former Researcher

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arms Control Civil Society
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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