Iran

Middle East

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.

Featured commentary and analysis

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

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

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

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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

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

Iran

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arms Control Civil Society

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

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Featured commentary and analysis

How would a Kurdish offensive change the war in Iran?

Washington’s limited levers to shape a post-Khamenei Iran

Trump wants Iranians to ‘take back their country’ from the regime. Can they?

Programs

Middle East Programs

Content

Sino-Iranian relations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experts

Jonathan Fulton

Bahar Ghandehari

Michelle S. Giuda

Britt Gronemeyer

Nicholas Hopton

Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Events

The IEA’s Fatih Birol on global energy market resilience in a moment of crisis

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