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.

Israel pumps up the volume on Iran

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
Israel pumps up the volume on Iran

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
Israel pumps up the volume on 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

Content

MENASource

Dec 17, 2021

Israel pumps up the volume on Iran

By Shalom Lipner

The commencement of multilateral talks in Vienna has brought various Israeli voices to a fever pitch, with the negotiations on a possible return to the JCPOA triggering a storm of undiplomatic pronouncements from Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and other senior Israeli officials.

Iran Israel

In the News

Dec 15, 2021

Slavin joins i24 to discuss Iran allowing IAEA cameras in nuclear sites

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Iran

Issue Brief

Dec 15, 2021

Nuclear priorities for the Biden administration

By John Harvey and Robert Soofer

Former nuclear deterrence policymakers John Harvey and Robert Soofer, from Democratic and Republican administrations, respectively, propose a path for the Biden administration's nuclear strategy and policy.

China Defense Policy

IranSource

Dec 14, 2021

What happens if Iran nuclear talks collapse?

By Masoud Mostajabi

On December 9, the Atlantic Council’s Future of Iran Initiative (FOII) held a virtual public event on whether a ‘Plan B’ exists in the event the nuclear talks fail.

Iran Middle East

Issue Brief

Dec 14, 2021

Missile defense: The end of the interim solution

By Patrick O’Reilly

Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow and former US Missile Defense Agency director Patrick O'Reilly argues that the time is now to invest in directed energy missile defense.

China Defense Policy

In the News

Dec 13, 2021

Azodi quoted in The New Arab on the implication of the UAE’s top national security adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s recent visit to Tehran

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

IranSource

Dec 13, 2021

Iran’s water is running dry. Now its water woes are worsening.

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

With the Islamic Republic disregarding the environmental and human costs of erratic development projects, coupled with the climate catastrophe that the world is facing, Iran has plunged headlong into a crisis with no safe shore in sight.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Dec 12, 2021

Kroenig and Ashford debate US global standing under Biden

By Atlantic Council

On December 3, Foreign Policy published a biweekly column featuring Scowcroft Center deputy director Matthew Kroenig and New American Engagement Initiative senior fellow Emma Ashford assessing the latest news in international affairs. In the column, they discuss the latest Omicron restrictions, assess the Pentagon’s 2021 Global Posture Review and ongoing Iran nuclear deal negotiations, and debate the […]

Africa Arms Control

In the News

Dec 10, 2021

Azodi quoted in L’Orient Le Jour on new US sanctions on Tehran

By Atlantic Council

Arms Control Defense Policy

In the News

Dec 9, 2021

Slavin joins Sky News Arabia to discuss the possibility of Israeli military or cyber strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Cybersecurity
Load More

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
Load More