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MENASource

Jun 23, 2026

The Middle East’s greatest killer is not what you think

By Daniel E. Zoughbie

When considering the forces claiming lives across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), minds inevitably turn to warfare and terrorism. Yet the region’s most prolific killer does not carry a weapon. Its methods are salt, sugar, and sitting. The numbers are staggering. Cardiovascular disease kills approximately 1.4 million people in the region every year; […]

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Jun 11, 2026

The Iran war is a game of liar’s poker

By Khalid Azim

The central question has not simply been who possesses power, but who is willing to absorb pain, tolerate risk, and continue escalating when conventional logic suggests restraint.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Jun 4, 2026

تفتت الفصائل المسلحة العراقية بعد تحول النظام الإيراني من الثيوقراطية الى الجنتوقراطية

By Munqith Dagher

كيف يؤثر تغيير القيادة في ايران على الميليشيات العراقية؟ د. منقذ داغر يبدو اننا بتنا ، بعد 28 فبراير 2026 ،امام نظام مختلف وظيفياً، بل وحتى هيكلياً عما عرفناه طوال السنوات السبعة وأربعين من عمر النظام الايراني. فقد اتسم نظام الحكم في ايران بنسخته الخمينية الأولى 1979-1989  بأحادية قطبية لا مكان فيها سوى للمرشد الأعلى(الخميني). […]

Arabic Conflict

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

Jun 24, 2025

Kroenig quoted in the New York Times on the attacks on Iran’s nuclear program

On June 22, Matthew Kroenig, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director, was quoted in the New York Times on Israeli and US attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and scientists, particularly on if Tehran will work to rebuild its program.

Iran Israel

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

Experts