Iran

Policy Analysis on Iran

Iran Deal Extension: Analyzing the State Department's Media Note

The department's latest public statement seems to cast a positive light on the recent nuclear extension, but its omissions paint a cloudier picture.

Jul 25, 2014

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

A North Korean in Iran

Ongoing close ties between Tehran and senior North Korean officials are raising concerns about potential transfer of nuclear and missile technology.

Jul 23, 2014

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Olli Heinonen
Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

U.S. Must Play Hardball in Nuclear Talks with Iran

As it prepares for four more months of nuclear talks with Iran, the U.S. faces a disadvantage: Even if there is ultimately no agreement, Tehran will pocket the considerable concessions Washington has already made. Iran will then argue to the world that it has proven its reasonableness and that sanctions

Jul 21, 2014

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Michael Singh

Brief Analysis

Iran Can Afford to Say No to a Nuclear Deal

The Islamic Republic has taken tough measures to adjust to the new sanctions, and its economy is now positioned to grow modestly even if the sanctions remain in place.

Jul 17, 2014

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Patrick Clawson

Brief Analysis

Assessing the Three Scenarios for the Iran Nuclear Negotiations

The current talks could end with an extension, a breakdown, or a surprise deal -- all of which pose difficult challenges for U.S. policy.

Jul 16, 2014

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Michael Singh
Robert Satloff

Brief Analysis

Speaking about the Unthinkable: The Nuclear Debate Iran Needs to Have

A public airing of the potential consequences of Iran's nuclear program could alter the terms of debate and possibly encourage greater restraint within the Islamic Republic.

Jul 1, 2014

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Michael Eisenstadt

As Various Actors Circle Iraq, ISIS Faces Foreign Foes

A discussion of whether and how the United States or other outside actors might intervene to check the jihadist group's advance.

Jul 1, 2014

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Matthew Levitt

Articles & Testimony

Nuclear Negotiations with Iran and Their Implications for U.S. Defense

Iran is more likely to accept a stringent nuclear accord if it perceives that Washington is willing to hold out at the negotiating table and is not looking for a quick exit from the region.

Jun 19, 2014

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Michael Singh

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei delivers public remarks.

Articles & Testimony

Iran Is Not an Ally in Iraq

ISIS would likely welcome deeper involvement from the IRGC.

Jun 17, 2014

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Michael Singh

Brief Analysis

Background on the 'Possible Military Dimensions' of Iran's Nuclear Program

Iran's compartmented nuclear program and fears of sabotage have complicated efforts to address IAEA concerns about the program's suspected military side.

Jun 13, 2014

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Nima Gerami

Brief Analysis

Iranian Proxies Step Up Their Role in Iraq

Iran's proxy groups have been working closely with Iraqi government forces for some time and will likely become more important to Baghdad in light of recent events.

Jun 13, 2014

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Phillip Smyth

Articles & Testimony

The Battle for Iraq Is a Saudi War on Iran

The ISIS invasion of Iraq reflects a wider war between Shiites and Sunnis for control of the Middle East.

Jun 12, 2014

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

Regional Implications of a Nuclear Deal with Iran

Ambassador Ross discusses how Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other regional states view the resumption of negotiations with Iran, and what Washington can do to assuage their concerns.

Jun 12, 2014

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Dennis Ross

Brief Analysis

Ailing Official Highlights Concentration of Power in Iran

The Assembly of Experts may soon have a new leader, but hints of a name have yet to emerge.

Jun 11, 2014

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Mehdi Khalaji

Brief Analysis

Iran's Afghan Shiite Fighters in Syria

Afghan Shiite militants have been fighting on the Assad regime's side for some time, and the scope and strategic purpose of Iran's involvement is becoming increasingly clear.

Jun 3, 2014

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Phillip Smyth

Iranian Students in the United States, 1924-2012

May 28, 2014

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Steven Ditto

Nuclear Decisionmaking in Iran

May 28, 2014

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Nima Gerami

Articles & Testimony

White House Should Seek Congressional Endorsement for Any Iran Deal

As the negotiations with Iran enter a critical stage, Washington needs to develop bipartisan consensus about the parameters of an acceptable agreement.

May 23, 2014

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Eric Edelman
Dennis Ross
Ray Takeyh

Brief Analysis

Iran and Bahrain: Crying Wolf, or Wolf at the Door?

The Bahraini government will need to distinguish better between protestors and terrorists if it wants Washington and other foreign partners to believe its claims of Iranian support for local militants.

May 16, 2014

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Matthew Levitt

Articles & Testimony

America Should Not Soften Its Nuclear Demands of Iran

As the next round of talks unfolds, U.S. officials should remember that a weak agreement could prove to be a strategic setback in the guise of a tactical success.

May 14, 2014

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Michael Singh

Supported by the

Viterbi Program on Iran and U.S. Policy

Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran poses the most serious and urgent set of security challenges to the United States and its allies in the greater Middle East. Since the Khomeini revolution in 1979, Iran has sought to export its radical ideology through the use of terrorism, subversion, and support to ideological fellow-travelers throughout the Muslim world.

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Farzin Nadimi

Farzin Nadimi, a Senior Fellow with The Washington Institute, is a Washington-based analyst specializing in the security and defense affairs of Iran and the Persian Gulf region.

Patrick Clawson

Patrick Clawson is the Morningstar Senior Fellow and Research Counselor at The Washington Institute.

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Policy Analysis on Iran

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