Iran

Policy Analysis on Iran

Now that an Iran nuclear deal has been signed, the next challenge is implementation. This step will entail at least two major challenges: interpreting the agreement and progressing toward what the deal calls "the final step of a comprehensive solution."

Nov 25, 2013

◆

Patrick Clawson

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamanei, gestures while speaking

Brief Analysis

Iran's Leaders Emphasize Limitations of the Nuclear Agreement

While the Supreme Leader has expressed cautious support for Iran's nuclear negotiating team, conservative media outlets and officials are emphasizing that the new deal is only partial and that Tehran could readily back out.

Nov 25, 2013

◆

Mehdi Khalaji

Articles & Testimony

Answers to Key Questions Will Determine Iran Deal's Success

Only time and U.S. actions will tell whether the recent agreement is a step toward Iran's denuclearization or its rise as a nuclear power.

Nov 25, 2013

◆

Michael Singh

Articles & Testimony

Iran's Nuclear Program Is Still Growing, and America's Fist Is Shrinking

Israel may feel compelled to act if the Obama administration does not follow the Geneva deal with robust implementation, strict sanctions enforcement, and speedy negotiation of an even stronger final arrangement with Iran.

Nov 25, 2013

◆

Robert Satloff

Maps & Graphics

Text of the Joint Plan of Action

First-Step Agreement between Iran and the P5+1 Powers

Download the text of the Joint Plan of Action agreed in Geneva on November 24, 2013, between the P5+1 nations (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and Iran.

Nov 25, 2013

Articles & Testimony

Turkey Fears a Shiite Alliance

Ankara would view an Iran nuclear deal and a negotiated settlement in Syria as Washington turning a blind eye to the emerging Shiite axis along Turkey's southern border.

Nov 25, 2013

◆

Soner Cagaptay

Articles & Testimony

'No One in the Region Will Sleep'

The Saudis are frustrated by their inability to block what they regard as Iran's return to diplomatic respectability and Washington's conciliatory approach to Tehran.

Nov 25, 2013

◆

Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

Why a Nuclear Deal with Iran Is So Hard

The requirements of a credible, sustainable agreement are at odds with Tehran's goal of confirming its status as a nuclear threshold state while preserving ambiguity about its capabilities.

Nov 20, 2013

◆

Michael Eisenstadt

Brief Analysis

Iran's Nuclear Narrative Needs to Be Challenged

A full explanation of Tehran's past and current nuclear activities should be a vital part of any interim agreement.

Nov 18, 2013

◆

Simon Henderson
Olli Heinonen

Articles & Testimony

Obama's Fight with Israel: This Time It's Serious

New rifts in U.S.-Israeli cooperation could mean that time is running out for peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue.

Nov 17, 2013

◆

Robert Satloff

Saudi 'Hidden Hand' Steering Iran Nuclear Talks?

The first round of Iran nuclear talks in Geneva broke down earlier this month after the P5+1 failed to reach consensus on a short-term deal that would have eased up sanctions and allowed Iran to continue enriching uranium at reduced levels. Talks apparently ended over France's demand that Iran stop

Nov 14, 2013

◆

Simon Henderson

November 2013 IAEA Report on Iran

The IAEA Board of Governors has released its latest report on Iran, assessing the status of the regime's nuclear activities since the previous report in August 2013, among other issues. To read the full text, download the PDF.

Nov 14, 2013

Video

Brief Analysis

Between the 'First Step' with Iran and Nuclear Fallout with Israel

Dennis Ross, former senior Middle East advisor to President Obama, Olli Heinonen, former deputy director-general of the IAEA, and Robert Satloff debate the terms of an emerging interim nuclear deal with Iran and the implications for U.S. allies in the region.

Nov 13, 2013

◆

Dennis Ross
Olli Heinonen
Robert Satloff

Articles & Testimony

Iranian Consensus Does Not Necessarily Mean a Good Deal for the West

There is a broad consensus among Iran's elite that a nuclear deal with Washington would serve Iran's hegemonic objectives. In this view, the real barrier to such a nuclear accord is not the United States but Europe and Israel, supported by the Saudis. The ongoing nuclear talks are playing very

Nov 12, 2013

◆

Patrick Clawson
Mehdi Khalaji

Articles & Testimony

How to Fix the Iran Nuclear Deal

The administration needs to reassure its allies that the West can reach a limited nuclear agreement without damaging its negotiating position or the sanctions architecture.

Nov 11, 2013

◆

Dennis Ross

Video

Iran Nuclear Negotiations: An Emerging Deal in Geneva?

"The idea that Iran can negotiate with the United States and be recognized as a responsible member of the international community just fills the House of Saud with complete dread." As the P5+1 countries approach a deal on Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, veteran Gulf analyst Simon Henderson assesses the significance

Nov 8, 2013

◆

Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

The Need for Speed in Negotiations with Iran

Talks with Iran are gaining momentum, but its centrifuges are still enriching uranium, and its Arak facility may soon be capable of producing plutonium.

Oct 30, 2013

◆

Simon Henderson
Olli Heinonen

Articles & Testimony

How to Negotiate with Iran

A deal struck for its own sake on Tehran's nuclear program would be worse than no deal at all.

Oct 29, 2013

◆

Dennis Ross
Eric Edelman

Hezbollah Ready to Do Whatever Iran Asks in Support of 'Shadow War with the West'

Stewart Bell interviews the director of the Institute's Stein Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence regarding Hezbollah's international activities and alliance with Iran.

Oct 24, 2013

◆

Matthew Levitt

Articles & Testimony

The Origins of Hezbollah

30 years ago, deadly bombings in Beirut forged a powerful new militant group.

Oct 23, 2013

◆

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.

Never miss a breaking event on U.S. policy interests in the Middle East. Customize your subscription to our expert analysis, op-eds, live events, and special reports.

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.

Regions & Countries

Issues

Policy Analysis on Iran

Viterbi Program on Iran and U.S. Policy

Featured experts

Regions & Countries

Issues

Iran

Policy Analysis on Iran

Viterbi Program on Iran and U.S. Policy

Sign Up for Email Updates from The Washington Institute

Featured experts