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.

Under Ebrahim Raisi, Iran and Turkey may be entering a new phase of bilateral ties

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
Under Ebrahim Raisi, Iran and Turkey may be entering a new phase of bilateral ties

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
Under Ebrahim Raisi, Iran and Turkey may be entering a new phase of bilateral ties

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

Jan 20, 2022

Under Ebrahim Raisi, Iran and Turkey may be entering a new phase of bilateral ties

By Hossein Aghaie Joobani

While Iran and Turkey may have too many geopolitical differences, both are expected to maintain their compartmentalization strategy so that divergences of interests at the regional level do not irreparably harm the core of bilateral relations.

Europe & Eurasia Iran

In the News

Jan 20, 2022

Kroenig and Cimmino reflect on President Biden’s approach to dictators

By Atlantic Council

On January 20, The Dispatch published a piece by Matthew Kroenig and Jeffrey Cimmino reflecting on how President Biden has approached authoritarian rivals during his first year in office. They argue that the president has been tough on China, but has not adequately confronted Russia, Iran, or international terrorism.

China Iran

In the News

Jan 19, 2022

Azodi quoted in Al-Monitor on Iran’s potential recognition of Afghanistan’s Taliban government

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Economy & Business

In the News

Jan 18, 2022

Dagres’ report on social media in Iran mentioned in The Cyber Wire

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Jan 17, 2022

Slavin quoted in Mehr News on trade relations between China and Iran in the face of US sanctions

By Atlantic Council

China Iran

In the News

Jan 13, 2022

Dagres quoted in Washington Post on internet freedom in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights Internet

In the News

Jan 13, 2022

Khoury quoted in L’indro on Iran and Saudi Arabia relations in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Jan 13, 2022

Slavin quoted in L’Orient-Le Jour on negotiations between Washington and Tehran

By Atlantic Council

French Iran

Report

Jan 13, 2022

Iranians on #SocialMedia

By Holly Dagres

This report by the Future of Iran Initiative and Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) explores the social media habits of Iranian netizens and how the Islamic Republic is repressing the online space.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Human Rights

IranSource

Jan 11, 2022

Who’s on Iran’s current nuclear negotiating team? Some have controversial pasts.

By Mehrzad Boroujerdi

As nuclear talks in Vienna continue their halting progress, a look at the backgrounds of the key members of the Iranian negotiating team may help explain why it has been so difficult to revive the 2015 JCPOA.

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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