Iran says it's ready to negotiate on its contentious nuclear program, but questions abound over Tehran's domestic politics and what confidence-building measures the West and Iran can agree upon.

The EU's oil embargo is part of a larger Western effort to pressure Iran to reengage over its disputed nuclear program, but some debate the merits of intensified diplomacy with the regime in Tehran.

The latest revelations over Iran's uranium enrichment activities have triggered debate over a slew of policy options from more sanctions to preventive strikes.

Sanctions over Iran's nuclear program have triggered threats involving the strategic Strait of Hormuz and new debate over the methods chosen to pressure Tehran.

There is growing support in the U.S. Congress to sanction Iran's central bank in response to new nuclear revelations. Some experts say such a move could backfire and help the regime.

A UN report on Iranian efforts to obtain a nuclear device triggers new debate among analysts and policymakers over the appropriate U.S. and international response.

As Washington ratchets up pressure on Tehran in the wake of an alleged terror plot, focus has shifted to finding new levers for halting Iran's controversial nuclear program and casting it as an international pariah.

The upheaval in Arab states presents opportunities and pitfalls for Iran in the Mideast. The best way for Washington to counter a possible Iranian rise, say some experts, is to cultivate relationships with Arab publics.

A growing power struggle in Tehran adds new concerns for deterring Iran's nuclear ambitions. Analysts' recommendations for the U.S. range from engaging in direct talks to increasing pressure on the regime and trying to erode the regime's popular base.

Continued unrest in Egypt is stirring tensions between Iran's hardliners and opposition movement and stoking concerns that an Iran-friendly Egyptian regime could upset the regional balance of power.

The startup of the Bushehr nuclear plant is feeding worries about Iran's nuclear agenda and talk about whether sanctions are failing.

New sanctions have revived hopes that non-military action can cripple Iran's nuclear program. But some analysts say these efforts could be undermined by Asian investment in Iran as well as the regime's intransigence.

Talks in Geneva over Iran's nuclear program ended with Tehran vowing to cooperate with UN inspectors. However, analysts remain divided on how lasting the gains will be.

The Obama administration has agreed to talks with Iran. Analysts are divided on whether dialogue will move the needle on nuclear negotiations, or strengthen calls for tougher action.

A day after U.S. President Barack Obama harshly condemned Iran's leadership for post-election violence, some analysts believe the United States will have no choice but to scale back promised overtures to the Iranian regime

The Iranian government's response to public uproar over the presidential polls is raising questions about its power base and stability. Experts say the turmoil poses tricky questions for U.S. policymakers hoping to engage Iran's government.

Preventing future violence between Israel and the Palestinians will require a regional strategy, active U.S. diplomacy, and increased cooperation from Arab governments. But Iran, too, must ultimately be part of any solution.

President-elect Barack Obama's pledge to intensify diplomacy with Iran could change the nature of efforts to prevent Tehran from going nuclear, but talks alone will not guarantee a peaceful resolution.

CFR.org provides a collection of resources on Iran.

With oil prices falling, some experts believe Iran's rising influence in the Middle East may be curbed. Others caution not to expect Tehran to change course anytime soon.