Iran

Iran’s evolving role in the region, external relations, and domestic dynamics

The strategic landscape of the Middle East has entered a period of volatility following the transition from diplomatic stagnation to direct military engagement between the United States, Israel, and Iran. As the 'maximum pressure' era evolves into one of escalation and high-stakes mediation, the future of regional security architectures remains in flux.

The Brzezinski Chair analyzes these critical developments, examining Iran’s internal political resilience, its military and nuclear trajectory, and the shifting strategies of its Arab neighbors as they navigate a new era of regional risk.

Photo: Nathan Howard-Pool/Getty Images

Photo: Nathan Howard-Pool/Getty Images

Trump's Smart Iran Exit

Jon Alterman argues in the Times of India that Trump was right to end the Iran war, not because the U.S. won, but because the conflict exposed the limits of military power, reshaped U.S.-Israel ties, and showed the value of diplomacy and partners like India.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — June 26, 2026

The High Top

All Iran Content

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Who's Paying for the Iran War? | The High Top

Who is paying the price for the U.S.-Iran war? Jon Alterman and Joseph Majkut examine the global energy crisis, rising costs in Asia, China’s role in stabilizing oil markets, and what the war means for Gulf security and U.S. influence.

Event — August 25, 2026

The U.S.-Iran War and Its Economic Fallout | The High Top

Phil Luck joins Jon Alterman to unpack the economic story of the post-Iran-war order: China's real headwinds, why the Global South is hedging harder than ever, and what the policy community still misunderstands about economic statecraft.

Event — July 20, 2026

What the Iran War Revealed About U.S. Power | The High Top

How has the U.S.-Iran war changed the way the world views American power? Jon Alterman and Charles Edel discuss shifting views among allies and the Global South, the fraying post-1945 order, and the challenge of building a more durable allied strategy.

Event — July 14, 2026

Trump's Smart Iran Exit

Jon Alterman argues in the Times of India that Trump was right to end the Iran war, not because the U.S. won, but because the conflict exposed the limits of military power, reshaped U.S.-Israel ties, and showed the value of diplomacy and partners like India.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — June 26, 2026

America Needs the Trust of Its Friends, Not Its Adversaries

In The Hill, Jon B. Alterman argues the U.S. doesn't need to trust Iran to negotiate with it, but it urgently needs the trust of allies in the Gulf, Europe, and Asia to make pressure stick. Without that coalition, Iran's bet on American unilateralism may pay off.  

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — June 10, 2026

What the Iran War Means for China and the Global Order | The High Top

China watches the U.S.–Iran war with unease. Jon Alterman and Edgard Kagan explore Beijing’s fears over Hormuz, its read on U.S. power, and how the conflict reshapes China’s view of a global order it relies on but can’t control. Tune in for the full conversation.

Event — May 8, 2026

How the Iran War Is Reshaping Israeli Strategy | The High Top

How is the Iran war reshaping Israeli strategy and the U.S.-Israel relationship? Daniel Byman joins Jon Alterman to unpack Israel’s evolving doctrine, Netanyahu’s calculations, and the regional stakes in a moment of shifting power and uneasy alliances.

Event — May 4, 2026

How China and Russia Can Exploit the Iran War

In Foreign Affairs, Jon B. Alterman and Ali Vaez argue China and Russia can exploit an Iran war by letting the U.S. bear the costs. They gain influence and advance strategic aims while avoiding direct conflict.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman and Ali Vaez — April 23, 2026