Middle East

Stretching from the Western Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, the Middle East continues to be a region struggling with violent conflict, political repression, and poor development. Numerous pro-democracy protest movements, a burgeoning youth population, and efforts to reform governments and lessen economic dependence on oil, however, are causes for optimism. The United States and the international community must remain engaged with the region to provide support for these positive moves and to address the many remaining challenges.

Content

Inflection Points

Jun 24, 2025

Dispatch from The Hague: How Trump can build on his Middle East success with NATO

By Frederick Kempe

As the Alliance summit begins, the US president can already justifiably trumpet three major achievements in the Middle East. Will he add one more in Europe?

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jun 24, 2025

Donovan quoted in Politico on China’s bargaining power in tariff negotiations

Read the full article here

China Economy & Business

In the News

Jun 24, 2025

Charai in National Interest: Trump’s Ceasefire: Strategic Vision or Calculated Illusion?

By Atlantic Council

Israel Middle East

In the News

Jun 24, 2025

Ullman featured in the Hill on possible escalation after US strike on Iran’s nuclear capabilities

On June 24, Atlantic Council Senior Advisor Harlan Ullman published an op-ed in the Hill analyzing the aftermath of the recent US strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. He cautions that the operation may mark the start of increased US engagement rather than a final act.

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jun 23, 2025

Four questions (and expert answers) about Iran’s threats to close the Strait of Hormuz

By Atlantic Council experts

Following the recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Tehran is reportedly considering blocking the critical artery for global oil and gas. But can it?

Conflict Economy & Business

Insights & Impact

Jun 23, 2025

Irdi featured on RAI Radio discussing Israel-Iran implications

By Beniamino Irdi

On June 23, Transatlantic Security Initiative nonresident senior fellow Beniamino Irdi was featured on RAI Radio 1’s Zapping Program discussing implications of the recent Israel-Iran attacks.

Europe & Eurasia Italian

MENASource

Jun 23, 2025

Pakistan is maintaining strategic clarity amid the Israel-Iran war

By Sahar Khan

Pakistan officials were quick to deny Iranian claims that Islamabad would engage in a nuclear response to a nuclear Israeli strike on Iran.

Iran Israel

Report

Jun 23, 2025

Building electricity bridges: The critical role of high-voltage direct current lines

By Joseph Webster, Frank Willey

A report on the potential of long distance HVDC electric cables and their critical role in regional connectivity for a secure, affordable, and cleaner energy future.

Africa Central Asia

Fast Thinking

Jun 22, 2025

How will Iran respond to US strikes on its nuclear program?

By Atlantic Council

Following the US strike on Iranian nuclear sites, Iran’s foreign minister said his country must respond. Atlantic Council experts look at Tehran’s options.

Conflict Iran

New Atlanticist

Jun 22, 2025

Trump made the right call. Will Khamenei do the same?

By William F. Wechsler

The Iranian regime is in a fundamentally weak position, and it should leap at this last opportunity to save itself.

Conflict Iran

Experts

Events