Richard N. Haass and Michael A. Levi say it is in the American interest to pursue a negotiated outcome to the current impasse with Iran because the main alternatives to diplomacy—war or the existence of an Iran with nuclear weapons—will be costly and risky.

Ray Takeyh examines the roots of Iran's desire to advance its nuclear program.

As the United Nations faces increasing pressure to end violence in Syria and resolve tensions with Iran over its nuclear program, former senior U.S. official William H. Luers discusses challenges in UN diplomacy and prospects for intervention.

Trita Parsi, founder and president of the National Iranian American Council, discusses the course of U.S.-Iran relations and escalating tensions surrounding the nuclear question.

Leslie H. Gelb says Israeli threats undercut prospects for a settlement with Iran.

The extraordinary risks posed by a nuclear-armed Iran require Washington and its partners to step up activity on economic sanctions and diplomacy, even while preparing military options, says CFR President Richard N. Haass.

The U.S.-Saudi relationship has become increasingly strained since the onset of the Arab awakening, and Iran's nuclear ambitions could pose further challenges, says expert F. Gregory Gause III.

Leslie H. Gelb says that in order to deal with Iran, President Obama needs to show the courage of offering a solid peace proposal instead of just drawing chest-thumping red lines.

Richard N. Haass argues that Iran's nuclear program may be the most important international issue in 2012.

After exploring Israel's ability, legitimacy, and necessity to attack Iran, Ronen Bergman believes that the country would certainly do so in 2012.

The European Union's embargo on Iranian oil may bring Iran to the negotiating table but is unlikely to halt its controversial nuclear program, says CFR's Matthew Kroenig.

Efforts by the United States and EU to sanction Iran's oil exports have prompted worries about a disruption of global oil markets. Robert McNally outlines scenarios in which rising tensions could affect the price of oil and potential policy responses.

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.

Secretary of State Clinton and Treasury Secretary Geithner issued this joint statement regarding the EU's new round of sanctions against Iran, on January 23, 2012.

On January 23, 2012 the EU voted on updated sanctions against Iran: EU Regulations 54/2012 and 56/2012, and Council Decision 2012/35/CFSP.

The New York Times' Mark Landler discusses how Obama's response to escalating tensions with Iran will impact his campaign.

CFR Senior Fellows Ray Takeyh and Matthew Kroenig discuss the escalating tension with Iran and the challenges it poses for US strategy in this Council on Foreign Relations Special Briefing.

Leslie H. Gelb discusses the need to examine the rationale for, and potential consequences of, going to war with Iran.

With oil supplies tight, regions most vulnerable to oil supply disruptions present a significant economic concern, particularly threats to the Strait of Hormuz and unrest in Nigeria, explains this Backgrounder.

Ray Takeyh says Iran's recent aggression is based on Tehran diligently pursuing a three-track policy that involves provocation of the international community and making noises about diplomacy as it relentlessly marches toward the bomb.