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

Why Playing the ‘Long Game’ Is the Right Approach to Iran’s Protests
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — October 19, 2022
Is Iran on the Brink?

Why Did China Help Saudi Arabia and Iran Resume Diplomatic Ties?
CSIS's Jon B. Alterman answers critical questions about the China-brokered diplomatic breakthrough between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Critical Questions by Jon B. Alterman — March 10, 2023

Mahsa Alimardani: Protest, Social Media, and Censorship in Iran
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — October 18, 2022

Jason Rezaian: What We Get Wrong About Iran
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Will Todman , and Caleb Harper

Photo: TPG/Getty Images
China Headaches for Iran Deal
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman

Photo: DIETER NAGL/AFP/Getty Images
Iran Will Still Be a Slog
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman
All content by Iran
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Mahsa Alimardani: Protest, Social Media, and Censorship in Iran
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — October 18, 2022

Jason Rezaian: What We Get Wrong About Iran
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Will Todman , and Caleb Harper — February 1, 2022

Is "Freeze for Freeze” A Viable Pathway to Re-engage with Iran?
Event by Jon B. Alterman , Eric Brewer , Hannah Kaviani , and Henry Rome — February 24, 2021
Covid-19, the Iranians, and Us
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — July 21, 2020
Baby Boom or Bust
Newsletter by Lauren Fredericks — June 24, 2020
After Suleimani: Crisis, Opportunity, and the Future of the Gulf
Event by Jon B. Alterman , General Joseph L. Votel , Dr. Ali Vaez , Ambassador Anne Patterson , Ambassador Douglas Silliman , The Honorable John McLaughlin , and The Honorable Christine Wormuth — February 24, 2020
Iran is Not One Crisis, but Three, for the U.S.
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — January 10, 2020
The Killing of Quds Force Commander Qasim Suleimani
Critical Questions by Jon B. Alterman — January 3, 2020
A Mezze: Santa Claus is Coming to Tehran
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman and Will Todman — December 17, 2019

The Foreign-Policy Parallels Between Trump and the Ayatollahs Are Uncanny
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — December 17, 2019