Proliferation

Policy Analysis on Proliferation

An Opportunity Not to Be Missed: Agenda for the Trump-Netanyahu Meeting

The two leaders should focus on articulating a vision for a diplomatic agreement with Iran, sketching a common roadmap on Gaza, setting the stage for further Arab-Israeli normalization, and updating the parameters of bilateral strategic cooperation for a new regional reality.

Jul 3, 2025

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Dana Stroul
Robert Satloff

Video

Brief Analysis

After the "Hammer": Postwar Opportunities and Risks for U.S. Policy in the Middle East

The objectives of Operation Midnight Hammer aligned with the broader U.S. goals of curbing Iranian threats and stabilizing the Middle East—but military force alone will not produce those outcomes.

Jul 1, 2025

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Robert Satloff
Mona Yacoubian
Richard Nephew

A photo illustration shows US and Iranian flags and an atomic symbol - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Iran Talks Are Still Necessary—Here’s What They Should Focus On

From insisting on zero enrichment to making the ceasefire conditional, officials should ensure that any post-conflict negotiations with Tehran fully address U.S. policy imperatives, including the need to prevent reconstitution of the nuclear program.

Jul 1, 2025

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Michael Singh

Brief Analysis

Back to the Table? Recommendations for Negotiations with Iran

A compilation of views on the next round of prospective talks with Iran, sanctions relief options, military and technical considerations, the international role, and more.

Jun 27, 2025

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Dennis Ross
Richard Nephew
Farzin Nadimi
Patrick Clawson
Michael Singh
Grant Rumley
Anna Borshchevskaya

Video

Brief Analysis

Energy and Economic Implications of the Iran-Israel Conflict

Three experts explore the war’s impact on global energy markets, Iran-Gulf relations, President Trump’s oil price calculations, and more.

Jun 27, 2025

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Homayoun Falakshahi
Jennifer Gnana
Gregory Brew

Articles & Testimony

Did the Attacks on Iran Succeed?

Israel and the United States bought themselves time on the nuclear issue, but the decision to take the military path raises a host of other risks and questions.

Jun 26, 2025

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Richard Nephew

Brief Analysis

Iran’s Retaliation: Choreography, Escalation Management, and the Mirage of “All-Out” War

Fears of an “all-out” war with Iran have been greatly overstated, and they fail to account for the Islamic Republic’s overriding desire to avoid such an outcome and the diverse repertoire it has developed to prevent one.

Jun 25, 2025

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Michael Eisenstadt

A USAF B-2 Spirit bomber refuels in flight - source: Department of Defense

Video

Brief Analysis

U.S. Attacks Iranian Nuclear Sites: Implications for Israel, the Middle East, and U.S. Policy

Two veteran U.S. officials join a former Israeli ambassador to discuss the effects and future consequences of the Trump administration’s decision to strike Iran’s nuclear program.

Jun 25, 2025

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Dana Stroul
Michael Herzog
Dennis Ross
Robert Satloff

A highway bridge in Tehran displays images of nuclear scientists killed during Israeli strikes against Iran in June 2025 - source: Reuters

Video

Brief Analysis

The Bigger Picture in the Iran-Israel Conflict: Russia, Missiles, Militias, and More

Four experts assess how outside players might respond to the showdown, and whether Tehran will switch up its calculus on procurement, attack tactics, and other military matters as the fight goes on.

Jun 23, 2025

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Anna Borshchevskaya
Michael Knights
Farzin Nadimi
Assaf Orion

Brief Analysis

What Nuclear Restrictions Would Be Required for a Viable Iran-Israel Ceasefire?

The most important restrictions include measures like permanently dismantling enrichment infrastructure and properly disposing of key materials and equipment, but policymakers need to be clear-eyed about the inherent limitations of even the strictest verification agreement.

Jun 20, 2025

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Richard Nephew
Patrick Clawson

Articles & Testimony

The United States May Destroy the Fordow Enrichment Plant. It Won’t Make the Iranian Nuclear Threat Go Away.

The risk of nuclear breakout is probably greater today than before Israel’s military campaign, and simply taking out Fordow would not stop the regime from using suspected secret sites to produce nuclear weapons.

Jun 17, 2025

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Richard Nephew

Articles & Testimony

Why Israel’s Attack on Iran Has Been a Success

Just as with the Hezbollah missile threat in Lebanon, completely eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat is not the best yardstick for Israel’s current campaign.

Jun 17, 2025

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Matthew Levitt

Emergency crews work at the scene of an Israeli air strike in Tehran in June 2025 - source: Reuters

Video

Brief Analysis

From Diplomacy to Military Force: The Future of Iran’s Nuclear Program

U.S. and Israeli experts assess the quickly evolving situation as the IDF continues striking targets across the country, Tehran retaliates with missile salvos, and the international community mulls how best to contain the crisis.

Jun 17, 2025

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Michael Eisenstadt
Zohar Palti
Dennis Ross
Dana Stroul

A sign in Tehran displays images of officials in Iran's nuclear program killed in Israeli airstrikes in June 2025 - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Can Israel Destroy Iran’s Nuclear Program?

A closer look at the technical indicators that experts and officials will be looking for to determine whether Israel’s campaign is setting the program back, and how much.

Jun 14, 2025

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Richard Nephew

Brief Analysis

Israel Strikes Iran: Initial Assessments from Washington Institute Experts

A compilation of analyses on the military and nuclear impact of Israel’s initial strikes, Tehran’s response options, the Trump administration’s next steps, public reactions inside Iran, and more.

Jun 13, 2025

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Matthew Levitt
Michael Eisenstadt
Patrick Clawson
Dana Stroul
Holly Dagres
David Schenker

Chinese and Iraqi flags fly in Beijing during a state visit - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Iraq Pledges Nuclear Cooperation with Russia and China

A cabinet minister and senior member of the Iran-backed terrorist organization Asaib Ahl al-Haq recently announced nuclear cooperation deals with two U.S. adversaries.

Jun 11, 2025

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Michael Knights

Brief Analysis

An “Enrichment Consortium” Is No Panacea for the Iran Nuclear Dilemma

The United States should recognize consortia concepts for what they are: face-saving steps rather than cure-alls for the nonproliferation problems created by Iran’s nuclear activities.

Jun 5, 2025

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Richard Nephew
Patrick Clawson

Brief Analysis

Nuclear Talks and Iran’s Missile Program: Addressing the Overlooked Arsenal

Given Iran’s unchecked missile buildup since the last nuclear deal, any future agreement should include enforceable limits on the development and stockpiling of long-range missiles to ensure lasting regional security and nonproliferation.

Jun 3, 2025

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Farzin Nadimi

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in 2025 - source: Foreign Ministry of Iran

Brief Analysis

Iran’s Foreign Minister Knows How to Speak Trump’s Language—Literally

In a bid to appease—and manipulate—the pioneer of “Twitter diplomacy,” Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator has adopted President Trump’s social media style while seeking favorable terms for the next big deal.

May 30, 2025

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Holly Dagres

A man holds a newspaper featuring a photograph of U.S. President Trump and his Middle East advisor, Steve Witkoff, in Tehran - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Is a Good Iran Deal Possible?

If carefully negotiated and given enough time to demonstrate results, a new deal could prevent a crisis in the near term and create a foundation for regional stability down the road.

May 26, 2025

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Richard Nephew

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Featured experts

Patrick Clawson

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

Michael Singh

Michael Singh is the Managing Director and Lane-Swig Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute.

Simon Henderson

Simon Henderson is the Baker Senior Fellow and director of the Bernstein Program on Gulf and Energy Policy at The Washington Institute, specializing in energy matters and the conservative Arab states of the Persian Gulf.

Henry Rome

Henry Rome was a Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, specializing in Iran sanctions, economic, and nuclear issues.

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Policy Analysis on Proliferation

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