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Through our Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, the Atlantic Council works 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.

Content

In the News

Mar 25, 2026

Kroenig quoted in The New York Times on NATO, Trump, and Iran

On March 25, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in The New York Times on NATO Secretary General Rutte's praise of the war in Iran, arguing that Rutte openly criticizing President Trump would undermine the alliance.

Iran NATO

Dispatches

Mar 25, 2026

How the Iran war could change the US relationship with Gulf states

By Abram Paley

The war appears to have opened the door to a new wave of uncertainty in the Gulf, which might threaten the very regional stability and economic prosperity it is meant to ensure.

Conflict Iran

Uncategorized

Mar 25, 2026

Kafafy for Foreign Policy: Empty Words Don’t Open Straits

By Atlantic Council

Critical Infrastructure Policy Energy & Environment

MENASource

Mar 24, 2026

The real roadblock to government formation in Iraq isn’t Maliki—it’s Kurdish power politics

By Omar Al-Nidawi

A dispute between Kurdish factions presents a significant structural obstacle to Iraq’s government formation regardless of who is nominated for prime minister.

Democratic Transitions Elections

In the News

Mar 24, 2026

Matchett for Noticias Uno on Iran’s threats to desalination plants

By Ginger Matchett

On March 23, GeoStrategy Initiative assistant director Ginger Matchett was featured on Noticias Uno’s broadcast on the war in Iran and desalination plants. She stated how she thinks Iran is threatening attacks on desalination plants because they want the Gulf states to take action and possibly intervene.

Energy & Environment Infrastructure

In the News

Mar 24, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Post: Courage, not recklessness: Why Netanyahu and Trump were right on Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran Israel

Inflection Points

Mar 23, 2026

Trump is fighting two wars with Iran. He needs to win both.

By Frederick Kempe

Nothing could be more short-sighted than leaving a vengeful and still formidable Iranian regime in place.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Mar 23, 2026

The Iran conflict exposes the new cost curve of war

By Nic Adams

The Pentagon must rapidly field innovative, lower-cost technologies alongside its exquisite capabilities, ensuring each is used where it delivers the greatest advantage.

Conflict Defense Industry

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Mar 23, 2026

Braw in Foreign Policy on seafarers trapped in the Persian Gulf

By Elisabeth Braw

On March 23, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw was published in Foreign Policy in an article describing how the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has stranded thousands of seafarers and disrupted global shipping amid escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Crisis Management Middle East

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Mar 23, 2026

Braw in Future Center on the hidden risks facing the Strait of Hormuz

By Elisabeth Braw

On March 23, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw was published in Future Center in an article examining how conflict in the Strait of Hormuz threatens not only global energy flows but also the undersea cables that underpin international communications and digital connectivity.

Middle East Security & Defense

Experts