The report considers the ways in which the West can most effectively engage with Iran. It both analyses the current situation and makes a series of practical recommendations about next steps for policymakers in the US under the Obama administration, and in the UK and Europe.

Iran is at the heart of a range of key international policy challenges. Current US and European policies towards Iran have been largely unsuccessful and need adjustment. The political transition in the US now affords an opportunity to invigorate, refine and focus policy. This report provides essential context to understanding the Iranian issues and offers firm policy recommendations for future engagement.

The report is the product of a collaborative Chatham House project led by the Middle East and North Africa Programme which brought together researchers with expertise in a range of policy areas.

Edited by Associate Fellow Sir Richard Dalton, British Ambassador in Tehran, 2002-06, it includes contributions from Professor Ali Ansari on Iranian domestic policy; Elizabeth Wilmshurst on pre-emptive military action and international law; and Professor Paul Stevens on energy politics, among others.

'A carefully written tour-de-force which combines incisive analysis with thoughtful policy recommendations.' - Karim Sadjadpour, Associate, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

More information about Chatham House work on Iran >>

Report Dissemination

December 2008

• Sir Richard Dalton writes that all eyes are fixed on the incoming Obama administration in the hope that it will launch a new initiative with Iran on the nuclear debate, in The Daily Telegraph. Read article >>


• The report was launched at a Chatham House Members Event with Sir Richard Dalton, Professor Ali Ansari and Elizabeth Wilmshurst. Launch details >>


• Sir Richard Dalton discussed the report on the Today Programme. Listen to interview >>


• A meeting was held to discuss recommendations in the report with Rt Hon Bill Rammell MP, Minister of State with responsibility for the Middle East, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.


• Ahead of the report's launch there was an advance briefing for the British-Iranian All-Party Parliamentary Group on the findings of the report by Sir Richard Dalton titled, How Can Britain and the West Engage most Effectively with Iran?

November 2008

• Sir Richard Dalton wrote an article 'Iran Looking for a Thaw' in The World Today outlining some of the thinking in the project at this stage. Read article >>

Further Resources

Iran, Islam, and Democracy: The Politics of Managing Change. Ali Ansari, September 2006.

Iran, its Neighbours and the Regional Crises. Edited by Robert Lowe and Claire Spencer, August 2006.

Details

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Iran: Breaking the Nuclear Deadlock