International Crisis Group

The International Crisis Group (ICG) is a Brussels-based transnational NGO that conducts field research on violent conflict and advocates for policy solutions. Robert Malley served as its president and CEO from 2018 to 2021 before joining the Biden administration as special envoy on Iran. At least two members of the Iran Experts Initiative — Ali Vaez and Dina Esfandiary — were employed by ICG, with Vaez serving as Iran project director. After the IEI email leak, ICG characterised the initiative as 'an informal platform' supported by European governments and institutions.