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 quoted in Tehran Times on the nuclear talks to revitalize the JCPOA

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 quoted in Tehran Times on the nuclear talks to revitalize the JCPOA

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 quoted in Tehran Times on the nuclear talks to revitalize the JCPOA

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

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Content

In the News

Nov 7, 2021

Slavin quoted in Tehran Times on the nuclear talks to revitalize the JCPOA

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Nov 5, 2021

Iran’s Middle East influence may actually be declining

By Saeid Jafari

Growing global dissatisfaction with Tehran's approach to its nuclear program and delays in returning to the negotiations, as well as developments in Iran’s backyard, are undermining Iranian claims to successful “resistance” and rising influence.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Nov 3, 2021

Throwing gas on the fire of Iranian internet suppression

By Amir Rashidi and Mani Mostofi

The October 26 cyberattack against gas stations across Iran is already being used as an excuse to push forward the repeatedly stalled Cyberspace Users Rights Protection and Regulation of Key Online Services which conservative politicians have been railroading through parliament since July.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Nov 2, 2021

Slavin quoted in Business Insider on reviving the Iran nuclear deal

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Nov 2, 2021

Democrats can sanction Iran’s oil without tanking negotiations—and they should

By Andrew L. Peek

The Joe Biden administration can negotiate and sanction at the same time, and it should take advantage of the flexibility of US sanctions policy to drive down Iran’s oil exports, which have crept up over the past year.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Oct 29, 2021

Slavin quoted in Voice of America on Irans position on the renewed nuclear talks

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Oct 29, 2021

Charai in the Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Biden must stand with the repressed people of Iran

By Ahmed Charai

Read Charai's latest in the Jerusalem Strategic Tribune on how President Biden's ongoing negotiations with the Iranian regime must consider the plight of the Iranian people.

Human Rights Iran

MENASource

Oct 29, 2021

What does Russia get out of Iran’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization?

By Li-Chen Sim and Nicole Grajewski

Russia and Iran’s acrimonious relationship with the United States has brought the countries closer together.

China Iran

In the News

Oct 28, 2021

Nasr quoted in Verve Times: Iran Wanted U.S. Out Of Afghanistan. It May Be Sorry The Wish Came True.

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Economy & Business

In the News

Oct 28, 2021

Nasr quoted in The New York Times: Iran Wanted U.S. Out of Afghanistan. It May Be Sorry the Wish Came True.
Afghanistan Iran
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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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