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.

Iran’s troubling execution rates show no sign of slowing down in 2022

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
Iran’s troubling execution rates show no sign of slowing down in 2022

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
Iran’s troubling execution rates show no sign of slowing down in 2022

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

IranSource

Feb 15, 2022

Iran’s troubling execution rates show no sign of slowing down in 2022

By Skylar Thompson

The Islamic Republic has long been, and remains, a leading executioner. Despite sustained international pressure, in 2021, the rate of executions increased 26 percent from the previous year.

Human Rights Iran

In the News

Feb 13, 2022

Slavin quoted in The Irish Times on challenges of the US-Iran nuclear talks in Vienna

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Inclusive Growth

In the News

Feb 13, 2022

Slavin quoted in The Irish Times: Talks on limiting Iran’s nuclear programme to resume in positive atmosphere
Iran Middle East

In the News

Feb 11, 2022

Slavin quoted in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on American hostages in Iran and US-Iran nuclear talks

By Atlantic Council

German Human Rights

In the News

Feb 11, 2022

Slavin quoted in Frankfurter Allgemeine on American hostages in Iran and US-Iran nuclear talks in Vienna

By Atlantic Council

Conflict German

In the News

Feb 10, 2022

Slavin quoted in Al-Monitor on Congressional perspectives of the ongoing US-Iran talks

By Atlantic Council

Crisis Management Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Feb 8, 2022

Slavin quoted in Le Point on challenges of US-Iran nuclear negotiations in Vienna

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Feb 8, 2022

Slavin quoted in Al Jazeera on US-Iran nuclear talks in Vienna and future negotiations

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion G20

In the News

Feb 7, 2022

Slavin speaks with USA Today on Iran nuclear deal talks in Vienna
Iran

IranSource

Feb 7, 2022

Iran is preparing public opinion for a revival of the JCPOA

By Anonymous

The question that remains to be answered, as far as Tehran is concerned, is what if Donald Trump or a likeminded politician is elected in 2024, given the atmosphere in Washington. Tehran needs some guarantee that the Trump experience will not recur. Everything else is negotiable.

Iran Middle East
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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