Content

Dispatches

Apr 8, 2026

Sanctions waivers on Russian and Iranian oil are set to expire. Here’s what Trump should do next.

By Maia Nikoladze, Daniel Fried

Washington should rely on already established mechanisms to limit revenue flows to both Tehran and Moscow.

Conflict Economy & Business

In the News

Apr 8, 2026

Kroenig interviewed on BBC on Trump and Iran

By Atlantic Council

On April 7, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on BBC on the Trump administration’s policy in Iran.

Iran Security & Defense

Podcast

Apr 8, 2026

What’s behind Tehran’s tollbooth?

By the GeoEconomics Center

Last month, Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. Now, reports are emerging that it is charging some tankers massive fees to transit. But how exactly does Tehran's "tollbooth" operate?

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

In the News

Apr 8, 2026

Matchett for MIT Technology Review on weaponizing water in future warfare

By Ginger Matchett

On April 7, GeoStrategy Initiative assistant director Ginger Matchett was quoted in “Desalination plants in the Middle East are increasingly vulnerable” for MIT Technology Review on how lessons learned from the Iran war mean water can be weaponized more strategically than previously imagined.

Critical Infrastructure Policy Energy & Environment

MENASource

Apr 7, 2026

American AI leadership can open a new chapter for Middle East integration

By Judd Olanoff

Countries will need access to cloud and compute like they need water and power plants. And they are turning to US companies to provide it.

Artificial Intelligence Israel

MENASource

Apr 7, 2026

Iraq’s oil export vulnerability exposes the cost of unresolved disputes

By Yesar Al-Maleki

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz shows how Iraq’s energy security depends as much on political coordination as on infrastructure.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Infrastructure

In the News

Apr 6, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Post: Trump and the end of Tehran’s illusion

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Apr 6, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: The Iran War’s First Lesson: American Leadership, Israeli Resolve

By Atlantic Council

Iran Israel

EnergySource

Apr 6, 2026

Why US-Israeli attacks on Iran’s grid and water systems would be counterproductive

By Joseph Webster, Ginger Matchett

Striking energy and water-related infrastructure in Iran would do little damage to the county's military capabilities. Instead, it would hurt civilians and potentially escalate the conflict.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

EnergySource

Apr 3, 2026

How the Iran war could shift energy policies around the world

By Atlantic Council Experts

The Strait of Hormuz closure has sparked fuel shortages and soaring energy costs, but also new opportunities for energy producers. How different regions respond to these disruptions could reshape the future of energy markets and security.

Africa Energy & Environment

Experts

Events