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 Jordan Times: Shadow of Ukraine war looms over Iran talks

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 Jordan Times: Shadow of Ukraine war looms over Iran talks

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 Jordan Times: Shadow of Ukraine war looms over Iran talks

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

Mar 1, 2022

Slavin in Jordan Times: Shadow of Ukraine war looms over Iran talks
Iran Ukraine

In the News

Mar 1, 2022

Slavin quoted in Jordan Times on the impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Vienna talks with Iran

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 28, 2022

Slavin in Inkstick: How can the US and its allies support Ukraine without becoming involved militarily?

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Feb 28, 2022

Nia quoted in The Guardian on Syrian and Iranian officials human rights violations and their potential war crime cases to ICC

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Human Rights

In the News

Feb 25, 2022

Slavin quoted in TRT World on Iran’s response to conflict in Ukraine

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Iran

In the News

Feb 24, 2022

Slavin quoted in TRT World on Iran’s diplomatic relations with Russia amidst Ukraine crisis

By Atlantic Council

Iran NATO

In the News

Feb 24, 2022

Wechsler and Pfaff quoted in Forbes on Iraq’s increasing involvement in militant attacks in the region

By Atlantic Council

Arms Control Conflict

In the News

Feb 17, 2022

Nia quoted in Radio France Internationale on legal accountability for war crimes in Syria at The Hague

By Atlantic Council

French International Norms

In the News

Feb 15, 2022

Kadhim quoted in Al-Monitor on Iraq-Iran relations and sectarian parties in Iraq’s government

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Economy & Business

China-MENA Podcast

Feb 15, 2022

Sino-Iranian relations

By Atlantic Council

Professor Anoushrivan Ehteshami joins the China-MENA podcast to discuss China-Iran relations and the state of the bilateral relationship.

China Economy & Business
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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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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