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.

Global Sanctions Dashboard: Groundhog edition

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
Global Sanctions Dashboard: Groundhog edition

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
Global Sanctions Dashboard: Groundhog edition

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

EconoGraphics

Feb 6, 2022

Global Sanctions Dashboard: Groundhog edition

By Julia Friedlander, Michael Albanese, Maia Nikoladze and Castellum.AI

Who sanctions Russia and why, Colombia’s narcotics trafficking, Iran’s balancing act, and Chinese military sanctions.

Belarus China

In the News

Feb 5, 2022

Slavin quoted in Nigeria News on Iran sanctions and ongoing nuclear talks

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

In the News

Feb 4, 2022

Slavin quoted in France24 on the waiving of Iran sanctions and US-Iran negotiations

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Feb 4, 2022

Slavin quoted in Al Jazeera on U.S easing sanctions on Iran

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

In the News

Feb 2, 2022

Charai in the Hill: The Iranian nuclear talks offer Biden much-needed bipartisan consensus

By Ahmed Charai

President Biden should apply pressure on non-nuclear fronts rather than signal a willingness to offer concessions, Charai argues. Read Charai’s latest in The Hill on the Iranian nuclear talks. Ahmed Charai is a Moroccan publisher and an Atlantic Council Board Director. He is also an international counselor of the Center for a Strategic and International […]

Iran Middle East

In the News

Feb 2, 2022

Katz quoted in Asia Times on Iran-Russia diplomatic relations

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Iran

In the News

Feb 2, 2022

Slavin quoted in L’Oreient Le Jour on significance of US-Iran nuclear talks

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion French

In the News

Feb 1, 2022

Slavin quoted in Tehran Times on the renewal of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and US-Iran talks in Vienna

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

IranSource

Feb 1, 2022

Can President Ebrahim Raisi turn Iran’s economic Titanic around?

By Nadereh Chamlou

The Ebrahim Raisi team is seen as the weakest since the revolution, but one with the strongest links to the IRGC, and where allegiance trumps expertise.

Economy & Business Iran

Econographics

Jan 31, 2022

Strengthening ties: China and the GCC

By Inbar Pe'er, Niels Graham and Mrugank Bhusari

As China continues expanding its trade ties across the world while the US focuses on its domestic economy, the US will find itself without a seat at the table when the norms for the multilateral trading system are set.

China Economy & Business
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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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