Iran

Policy Analysis on Iran

What If the Ukraine Crisis Affects the Iran File?

Given Moscow's potential ability to undermine Iran diplomacy, Washington has yet another compelling reason to reestablish faith in -- and fear of -- America's willingness to use military strength.

Mar 28, 2014

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James Jeffrey

Brief Analysis

Nuclear Kingdom: Saudi Arabia's Atomic Ambitions

Although Iran's nuclear potential will likely dominate talks between President Obama and King Abdullah on March 29, Riyadh's own nuclear plans should also be part of the discussion.

Mar 27, 2014

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Olli Heinonen
Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Iranian Aid to Fighters in the Gulf Peninsula

A number of U.S. interests could be served by expanding support to strategic Gulf partners in their efforts to curb Iranian aid to local fighters.

Mar 24, 2014

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Lori Plotkin Boghardt

Brief Analysis

Iranian Suspicions About the IAEA

Iranian elites continue to express skepticism about the International Atomic Energy Agency's verification measures, nuclear safeguards agreements, and impartiality, with some even accusing it of collusion with foreign intelligence agencies.

Mar 21, 2014

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Steven Ditto

Articles & Testimony

The Case for Zero Enrichment in Iran

At a time when sanctions are having a significant impact on the Iranian economy, the P5+1 should allow the pressure to work to full effect instead of yielding on nuclear activities that threaten vital U.S. interests.

Mar 18, 2014

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Michael Singh

Iran's navy commander speaks in front of a map

Brief Analysis

Iran's Evolving Maritime Presence

The growing capabilities of Iran's navy will enhance the country's soft power and its peacetime reach, while providing an alternative means of supplying the "axis of resistance" if traditional means of civilian transport become untenable.

Mar 13, 2014

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Michael Eisenstadt
Alon Paz

Brief Analysis

Preventing an Iranian Breakout after a Nuclear Deal

Washington must urgently reestablish the credibility of its military threat, along with other steps, to guard against noncompliance from Tehran.

Mar 12, 2014

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James Jeffrey
David Pollock

Articles & Testimony

Syria Spillover: The Growing Threat of Terrorism and Sectarianism in the Middle East

The scope of the war's regional fallout will become more apparent in the coming months as radicalized foreign fighters return to their home countries, sectarian strife increases in Lebanon, and massive refugee flows exacerbate public health problems.

Mar 6, 2014

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Matthew Levitt

Articles & Testimony

Iran's Support for Terrorism Worldwide

By dramatically increasing its sponsorship of terrorism and cementing its partnership with Hezbollah in Syria, the Iranian regime is posing more of a threat to regional and international security than ever.

Mar 4, 2014

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Matthew Levitt

Articles & Testimony

A Regional Approach to Iran

If the United States neglects the bigger regional picture and focuses solely on deal-making with Tehran, the result may be a tactical victory but a strategic defeat.

Mar 3, 2014

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Michael Singh

Brief Analysis

The Ukraine Crisis and the Middle East

The Ukraine situation will affect Washington's Middle Eastern priorities, but not to such a degree that it will stymie a strong U.S. response to Russian actions, since America has the power to act in the region without Moscow if necessary. Ukraine could well make it necessary.

Mar 3, 2014

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James Jeffrey

Articles & Testimony

How Ukraine Will Shape the Future of the Middle East

By showing leadership in its response to the Russian intervention, Washington can open a new conversation with its regional allies regarding Syria, Iran, and Egypt.

Mar 2, 2014

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Dennis Ross

Brief Analysis

Netanyahu and Obama to Review Progress on Iran

Recent U.S. efforts to enforce sanctions and insist on strict interpretation of the Geneva agreement provide a backdrop for the two leaders' upcoming discussion of the Iran nuclear issue.

Feb 28, 2014

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Patrick Clawson

Video

Brief Analysis

Iran's Nuclear Debate: The Domestic Politics

Two Iran experts discuss how the Supreme Leader, other key officials, and the Iranian public view the ongoing negotiations with the West and the strategic purpose of the nuclear program itself.

Feb 26, 2014

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Nima Gerami
Mehdi Khalaji

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking

Brief Analysis

Ayatollah Khamenei: Pessimistic Negotiator, Optimistic Strategist

Despite offering nominal support for Iran's nuclear negotiating team, Khamenei and his circle continue to criticize the talks and could sabotage them outright if internal dynamics go against President Rouhani.

Feb 21, 2014

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Mehdi Khalaji

Brief Analysis

Salafism as a National Security Threat for Iran

Although Tehran worries about internal threats from Salafi jihadists, it may well cooperate with such groups if they attack Western interests.

Feb 20, 2014

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Mehdi Khalaji

In-Depth Reports

Leadership Divided?

The Domestic Politics of Iran's Nuclear Debate

Iran expert Nima Gerami examines the evolution of the country's domestic nuclear politics before and since Geneva, discussing how the underlying elite divisions and general culture of secrecy could complicate long-term efforts to convince Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

Feb 19, 2014

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Nima Gerami

Brief Analysis

Clear-Eyed Diplomacy: Strategic Shifts Needed in the Iran Negotiations

If Washington is to secure an Iranian nuclear deal that is sustainable and advances American interests, it must make several adjustments to its diplomatic strategy.

Feb 18, 2014

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Michael Singh

Maps & Graphics

Infographic: Iranian Students in the United States

The rising number of Iranian exchange students presents an opportunity to revitalize U.S. public diplomacy outreach to Iran. This infographic highlights key findings of a new Washington Institute report.

Feb 14, 2014

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Steven Ditto
Larisa Baste

If You Don't Understand Our Commitment to Iran, You Don't Understand Hezbollah

Lee Smith interviews Washington Institute fellow Matthew Levitt on Hezbollah's internal workings and international reach.

Feb 13, 2014

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Matthew Levitt

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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Featured experts

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

Viterbi Program on Iran and U.S. Policy

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Policy Analysis on Iran

Viterbi Program on Iran and U.S. Policy

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