What the Iran Ceasefire Means for Global Energy Markets

In the News
Bloomberg
Rachel Bronson

"A two-week ceasefire is going to be very unstable," Council Lester Crown Senior Nonresident Rachel Bronson says. "You need to have some stability for tankers to move in and out, so anything that threatens that will continue this crisis and keep energy prices high."

Rachel Bronson speaks with Bloomberg via video US Foreign Policy

Ceasefire Raises Questions About Stability in Middle East

In the News
Fox 32 Chicago
Paul Poast

"The US has achieved a type of tactical victory," Council Senior Nonresident Fellow Paul Poast says. "But the terms that are on the table right now would put Iran in a position to be able to control the Strait of Hormuz and actually be in a stronger position than they were even prior to the war."

Paul Poast speaks via a video call Defense and Security

US and Iran Reach Ceasefire Deal Ahead of Trump’s Deadline

In the News
Fox 32 Chicago
Leslie Vinjamuri

"Ceasefires are incredibly precarious," says Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri.  "But it does give at least a pause—at least a window—to try and push forward more of a negotiation, especially on the question of the nuclear conditions."

Leslie Vinjamuri speaks in the Fox 32 studio US Foreign Policy

Where Does Global Health Go from Here?

Analysis
by Olufunmilayo (Funmi) Olopade

“This moment calls for us to reimagine the possibilities,” Dr. Olufunmilayo I. Olopade tells the Council.

A health worker administers a dose of the measles vaccine in Chapultepec Park in Mexico City, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.
Marco Ugarte / AP
Global Health

The US Strategy Gap in the Iran War

In the News
Bloomberg
Leslie Vinjamuri

As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri joins Bloomberg Open Interest to discuss the reasons why a cease-fire with Iran remains unlikely.

Leslie Vinjamuri appears via video call with Bloomberg Open Interest. US Foreign Policy

Trump's Iran Strategy Falls Short on Solutions

Analysis
by Leslie Vinjamuri

Unless Trump can devise a secure—and cost-neutral—plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the United States will lose even more global goodwill.

President Donald Trump speaks about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House
Alex Brandon / AP
US Foreign Policy

The Challenges of a Nuclear Deal with Iran

Analysis
by Saeid Golkar

While the Trump administration's proposed agreement would curtail Tehran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon, it would not touch the real drivers of the Islamic Republic’s power.

an Iranian missile and flag
Vahid Salemi / AP
Global Politics

The Next Global Food Crisis Has Already Begun

In the News
Foreign Policy
Ertharin Cousin

"Disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz do not remain confined to shipping lanes—they propagate through agricultural systems worldwide," Council Distinguished Fellow Ertharin Cousin writes.

A farm workers spreads fertilizer
Jerome Delay / AP
Food and Agriculture

Is the Middle East Heading Toward a Much Bigger War?

Podcast
Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

“I had never seen the Middle East as chaotic, as dangerous, as spiraling out of control as it is today.” Fawaz Gerges on why he believes the region is entering a much more dangerous phase.

Car Fire
Hussein Malla / AP
Defense and Security

Former NATO Ambassador: Trump Threats Risk Emboldening Putin

In the News
Bloomberg
Julianne Smith

" Even talking about the US formally leaving or just slowly disengaging sends a very dangerous signal to Moscow," Council Distinguished Nonresident Fellow Ambassador Julianne Smith said of President Trump's remarks about withdrawing from NATO.

Julianne Smith speaks to Bloomberg via video US Foreign Policy