Iran

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

The ultimate impacts of former President Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1, and subsequent maximum pressure campaign, remain unclear. Questions and uncertainty surround the future of U.S. engagement with Iran, as well as how Iran’s Arab neighbors will respond to Iranian assertiveness and perceptions of the U.S.-Gulf alliance. The Middle East Program examines evolving domestic trends within Iran as well as Iran’s engagement with its neighbors, in the region, and beyond.

See the Middle East Program's publications and past events on Iran HERE.

 

Featured Analysis


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Photo: QASSEM AL-KAABI/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: QASSEM AL-KAABI/AFP via Getty Images

The Impacts of Raisi’s Death

On May 19, 2024, Iran’s president, Ebrahim Raisi, and foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, died in a plane crash. Jon Alterman breaks down what their deaths mean for Iranian politics and the wider region. 

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Critical Questions by Jon B. Alterman — May 20, 2024

Featured Project


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Photo: Jewel samad/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: Jewel samad/AFP/Getty Images

The Iranian Paradox

Iran’s politics are imperfectly understood, both in the West and in Iran itself. Yet, a basic outline does seem clear. 

Report by Jon B. Alterman — March 23, 2017

Featured Podcast


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A tall tower stands in front of a desert.

Sanam Vakil: Iran's Trajectory after Raisi

This week on Babel, Jon Alterman speaks with Dr. Sanam Vakil about the fallout from President Raisi’s death, how Gulf states are likely to react, and the feasibility of U.S. policy options going forward. Then, Jon continues the conversation with Natasha Hall and Leah Hickert to discuss what’s next for Iranian foreign policy and what opportunities there are for the United States.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman, Natasha Hall, and Leah Hickert — May 29, 2024