Policy
America's New Approach to the Iran Negotiations
The US and other powers are calling Tehran's deadline bluffs.
Threats
The Other Reason the Iranians Are Edging Toward a Nuclear Deal
The spread of ISIS has changed the equation, making Tehran's hawks more amenable to a deal with the west.
Policy
Everything You Want To Know About Iran Sanctions
As the P5+1 continues negotiating a deal, here's how Tehran came to face a dizzying array of punitive measures.
Ideas
Iran’s Nuclear Past Should Not Scuttle A Deal for Its Future
It’s more important to know Tehran will have no nuclear weapons for the next 20 years than to obsess over what it did 20 years ago.
Ideas
Maersk Tigris: A Warning Bell for Our Contested Maritime Century
In the 21st century, competition between established and emerging powers will be increasingly felt and expressed at sea.
Threats
Obama, Gulf Allies Enter 'New Era' of Arab Defense
The president committed the U.S. to defend regional governments worried about America's engagement with Iran.
Policy
In Senate GOP's Iran Standoff, the Rebels Are Losing
Most Republicans are siding against Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton in their quest for tough amendment votes.
Ideas
Iran’s Disingenuous Approach To Maritime Law
The illegal seizure of the Maersk Tigris illustrates Tehran’s desire to pick and choose what international rules it follows.
Policy
Tom Cotton, Twitter, and the Weird Future of Diplomacy
The freshman senator challenges Iran’s foreign minister to a debate, gets slapped down.
Policy
A Skeptic's Guide to the Iran Deal
Democrat Adam Schiff explains what worries him about the framework nuclear agreement with Tehran—and about his Republican colleagues.
Threats
Here’s Why Iran’s Seizure of a Cargo Ship Is So Odd, and Disturbing
While Revolutionary Guard boats often harass passing vessels, the capture of the MV Maersk Tigris appears to be something new.
Policy
The Bipartisan Bedfellows Behind the Iran Bill
Sens. Bob Corker and Benjamin Cardin are teaming up to keep poison pills that would kill the measure at bay.
Threats
The High Stakes Test for the Iran Deal — and the 2016 Contenders
The trio of Senate Republicans running for the presidency are unsheathing procedural weapons in a fight to burnish their national security credentials.
Science & Tech
The Russian Weapon That Could Tip The Balance in the Middle East
Moscow’s recent decision to ship the very mobile and lethal S-300 missile system to Iran is a big deal for these three reasons.
Ideas
No, the 1998 Iraq Bombing Campaign Isn't a Model To Strike Iran
Only 12% of the targets in Operation Desert Fox were related to Saddam Hussein's WMD sites.
Policy
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Leaders Strike Iran Deal
It's still unclear whether the agreement will garner enough votes to override a White House veto.
Policy
Tom Cotton: Obama's Iran Deal May Lead to Nuclear War
The hawkish junior senator discusses the 'moderate' turn in his national security thinking, and why he thinks bombing Iran should be a viable option for the U.S.
Threats
What Arab Countries Think About the Iran Deal
Far from being shocked or appalled by the agreement, Arab countries see an opening to further their interests in the final round of negotiations.
Threats
Did the US and Iran Actually Agree on a Deal?
Merely days after a framework was announced, it's looking more like nothing has been settled between Tehran and the P5+1.
Policy