The U.S. Designated the Revolutionary Guards as a Terrorist Group. What Happens Next?
The U.S. designation of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization was meant to serve America's interests by isolating Iran. Instead, it may increase the likelihood of a tit-for-tat escalation that will require significant resources to avoid a broader regional conflagration.
Apr 11, 2019 Foreign Policy
Can the U.S. Attain Foreign Policy Goals with 'Maximum Pressure' Campaigns?
The Trump administration's record in two of today's most pressing nuclear nonproliferation challenges, North Korea and Iran, highlights the potential dangers of a “maximum pressure” strategy.
Mar 6, 2019 Foreign Policy
Behind the 'Surprise' Resignation of Iran's Foreign Minister
Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's foreign minister, announced his resignation after a nearly six-year tenure. His resignation has sparked as much controversy as his tenure, one dominated by overtures to the West and resulting tensions at home. Although his departure will likely be felt most acutely in Europe, it may have a deeper impact in Tehran.
Feb 26, 2019 Foreign Policy
The Islamic Republic's Foreign Policy at Forty
Forty years have passed since the Islamic Revolution. While Iran hasn't departed from its revolutionary roots, its foreign policy today is largely shaped by threat perceptions and interests, not ideology.
Feb 8, 2019 Atlantic Council
Withdrawing from Syria Leaves a Vacuum That Iran Will Fill
President Trump's decision to withdraw American troops from Syria may be unintentionally signaling that the United States is unwilling to compete in critical geopolitical hotspots. Such a message could embolden powerful states—including Iran—to expand their presence.
Jan 8, 2019 Foreign Affairs
Could America Use Its Leverage to Alter the Saudis' Behavior?
As the Saudis' chief political and military partner and the undisputed security guarantor in the Middle East, the United States has considerable influence it can wield over Saudi decisionmaking. The Trump administration could consider using its influence to encourage Saudi leadership to moderate its assertive and damaging policies abroad.
Nov 15, 2018 Newsweek
Is Major Realignment Taking Place in the Middle East?
The shifting alignments in the Middle East have intensified since the murder of the Saudi journalist Khashoggi in Istanbul. Turkey has drifted away from NATO and toward Iran and Russia. Like Tehran and Moscow, Ankara is now more anti-Western than at any point in recent memory. What does this mean for the United States?
Oct 31, 2018 Foreign Affairs
America's Indefinite Endgame in Syria
The Trump administration's position on the Syrian civil war has shifted from countering ISIS to containing Iran. America will remain in Syria as long as Iran does. But an unending timetable for the withdrawal of troops is far more problematic for Washington than it is for Tehran.
Oct 16, 2018 The Atlantic
Can U.S. Pressure Lead to a New Iran Nuclear Deal?
It could be a mistake for the United States to assume that more pressure will bring Iran closer to ending or reducing its ballistic missile and nuclear programs. When it comes to measures aimed at Iran's nuclear program, more pressure could worsen nuclear risks and further drive a wedge between the United States and its European allies.
Sep 18, 2018 Foreign Policy
Iran's Disinformation Campaigns
New reports suggest that the Kremlin may have company in its efforts to shape the United States' domestic information landscape: Iran. As Americans prepare to return to the voting booths this fall, Washington would be well advised to look into Iran's disinformation capabilities and intentions.
Aug 24, 2018 Foreign Affairs