China’s Evolving Role in Middle East Security 

The U.S.-Israel-Iran war unfolded within direct reach of China’s largest source of imported oil and its main westward maritime trade corridor. Beijing’s response was largely rhetorical, affirming calls for de-escalation and a cessation of hostilities.

The Future of the Strait of Hormuz: Security Transformations and Economic Recovery

As regional tensions reshape the security landscape around the Strait of Hormuz, this panel examines the crisis’s implications for maritime security, global energy markets, trade routes, Gulf economies, and regional stability. The discussion will explore how a more durable maritime security architecture can protect energy flows, strengthen supply chain resilience, and reduce the risk of future disruptions.

Regional NATO and the Future of Middle East Security

As regional threats rise and confidence in traditional security arrangements declines, this online discussion examines the prospects for a regional security framework bringing together Gulf states and other regional powers. Panelists will explore whether a regional NATO could address shared security challenges, the obstacles to its implementation, and its implications for regional stability and relations with the United States and other global actors.

Can Multilateralism Deliver in a Divided World?

(From L) European Council President Antonio Costa, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump, Kenya's President William Ruto, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Brazilian politician Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva pose for a family photograph during the G7 summit, in Evian, eastern France, on June 16, 2026. A G7 summit is set to take place June 15 to 17 in the French town of Evian-les-Bains near Switzerland and it will be attended by country leaders as well as the EU's foreign policy chief and ministers from Brazil, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP)

As G7 leaders met in Évian and Russia hosted ASEAN leaders in Kazan, competing visions of global order came into sharper focus. This panel examines what rising geopolitical fragmentation means for multilateralism, regionalism, and conflict resolution amid the wars in Iran, Gaza, and Ukraine.

Is a Regional NATO Taking Shape in the Middle East?

As Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye move toward closer strategic coordination, this webinar examines whether their emerging partnership could shape a new regional security architecture or simply reflect a pragmatic response to instability in the Middle East.

Beyond Hormuz: The Middle East’s New Connectivity Landscape

As disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz raise urgent questions about trade resilience, Middle Eastern states are turning to alternative connectivity corridors. This webinar examined the political, economic, and security implications of projects such as Iraq’s Development Road and the revival of the Hejaz Railway.

After the Agreement: Temporary De-escalation or a Deferred Crisis?

A member of Mexico's National Guard remains outside the hotel where Iran's national football team is staying in Tijuana, Mexico, on June 8, 2026, ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by Guillermo Arias / AFP)

The Middle East Council on Global Affairs organizes an online discussion examining whether the recent Iran-Israel agreement marks the beginning of a new phase of regional de-escalation and stability, or whether it simply delays future crises and conflicts.

An Agreement Without a Handshake: Diplomacy in an Era of Deep Distrust

This online discussion examines the recent U.S.-Iran agreement, its implications for regional de-escalation, the role of Gulf mediation, and whether diplomacy without direct engagement can provide a sustainable path toward stabili

100 Days of the U.S.-Israel-Iran War: A Region in Turmoil

One hundred days into the U.S.-Israel-Iran war, the Middle East faces a critical turning point. This ME Council webinar brings together experts to examine the war’s impact on Gulf security, energy markets, Iran’s strategy, and the broader regional order.

World Cup 2026: The Politics of the Global Game

A FIFA logo is pictured on the stands as South Africa's players take part in a pitch recognition at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 10, 2026, on the eve of the 2026 World Cup football match between Mexico and South Africa. (Photo by Alfredo ESTRELLA / AFP)

This ME Council webinar explores how geopolitics, visa policies, border controls, and rising travel costs may affect the 2026 FIFA World Cup experience, particularly for fans, athletes, officials, and institutions from the MENA region.

The US-Iran MoU: Strategic Breakthrough or Risky Compromise?

The Middle East Council on Global Affairs hosts a webinar examining the U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, its strategic logic, political implications in Washington, and its impact on Israel, the Gulf states, energy markets, and the broader Middle East security landscape.

Iranian Attacks on Gulf States: Between Deterrence and Escalation

This panel discussion examines the recent Iranian attacks on Gulf states and their implications for regional security, deterrence, mediation efforts, and global energy markets.

U.S.–Iran: From Ceasefire to Negotiation

This online panel examines the latest developments in U.S.–Iran negotiations, including the proposed ceasefire framework, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and prospects for a wider diplomatic settlement.

Lebanon Between Fragile Stability and Potential Escalation

This panel discussion examines Lebanon’s current political and security landscape amid fragile stability, repeated ceasefire violations, and shifting regional dynamics. Speakers assess the risks of renewed escalation, the role of diplomatic efforts, and the prospects for recovery and strategic reassessment.

Beyond the War: Building Tomorrow’s Middle East

How can the Middle East build a more resilient future after the U.S.-Israel-Iran war? This ME Council webinar explores policymaking, youth leadership, storytelling, and strategic foresight in shaping the region’s path forward.

The Gulf and the Future of U.S.–Iran Negotiations

As U.S.–Iran negotiations accelerate amid regional tensions, this webinar explores the Gulf’s absence from the negotiating table and the implications of any future settlement for Gulf security, diplomacy, and regional stability.

Redrawing the Middle East’s Defense Map: Suppliers, Alliances, Stakes

The U.S.-Israel-Iran war is reshaping the Middle East’s defense landscape, raising new questions about arms procurement, supplier reliability, domestic defense industries, and emerging partnerships with Europe and East Asia.

A Lego War? Artificial Intelligence and the New Information Wars

The U.S.-Israel-Iran war has given rise to an unprecedented information landscape, one where LEGO battle scenes, memes, and AI-generated imagery blur the line between satire, propaganda, and reality. Today’s information wars are increasingly being shaped by the weaponization of artificial intelligence by both state and non-state actors, transforming the battlefield of public opinion. The viral… Continue reading A Lego War? Artificial Intelligence and the New Information Wars

A Region in Flux: Shifting Strategic Alignments in the Middle East

The U.S.-Israel-Iran war has intensified regional volatility, prompting states across the Middle East to reassess their security partnerships and strategic priorities. This webinar examines the shifting alignments shaping the region, the role of emerging regional powers, and the prospects for building cooperative security frameworks amid uncertainty over the post-war order.

The Iran War: Can Global Markets Endure?

An online panel examining how the Iran war is reshaping global markets, from energy prices and supply chains to Gulf economic stability and investment trends.

Between War and Siege: Escalation Pathways in Iran

An expert panel examines post-ceasefire scenarios in Iran, assessing risks of renewed conflict, maximum pressure policies, and implications for regional and maritime security.

NATO Under Pressure: How the Iran War Is Testing the Alliance

As tensions between the United States and its allies deepen over Iran, NATO faces mounting pressure. This panel explores the future of the alliance, its capacity for collective defense, and its role in an increasingly interconnected security landscape.

Ceasefire’s Chokepoint: What Will it Take to Re-Open the Strait of Hormuz?

The temporary ceasefire between the United States, Israel, and Iran has paused active conflict, but tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz remain high. Tehran’s conditional control over maritime transit signals a shift in how this vital chokepoint is managed. Experts examine the economic, political, and security implications for global energy markets and regional stability.

Nuclear Facilities in Regional Conflict: Strategic, and Environmental Risks

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the risk of targeting nuclear facilities raises urgent strategic, legal, and environmental concerns with far-reaching consequences.

The two-week truce: Securing the Strait of Hormuz

A timely panel discussion examining diplomatic, military, and strategic efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions and global energy risks.

Battle of Narratives: Media and Public Opinion in War

Beyond military strikes, the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. is being fought in the global information space. Media has become a strategic weapon used to justify actions and shape public perception. The Middle East Council on Global Affairs hosts a panel of experts to examine how state propaganda, social media, and digital activism are redefining modern warfare and the struggle for public opinion.

Media Coverage of the Iran War in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

How is artificial intelligence reshaping the landscape of modern conflict? This upcoming panel discussion examines the weaponization of AI, deepfakes, and algorithmic manipulation in regional warfare, exploring how journalists and policymakers can confront the flood of false information and safeguard the truth.

The Iran War and the Limits of International Law

An expert panel analyzing how the Iran–Israel–U.S. conflict is reshaping international law, including rules on self-defense, use of force, and accountability.

Türkiye and the War on Iran: Navigating a Delicate Balance

An online discussion hosted by the Middle East Council on Global Affairs examining Türkiye’s strategic balancing between NATO commitments, regional diplomacy, and relations with Iran amid escalating conflict.

The Implications of the Iran War for Regional Non-State Actors

An online panel by the Middle East Council on Global Affairs examines the role of Iran-aligned non-state actors, including Hezbollah, Houthis, and Iraqi militias, in the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Navigating Iran War in the Region: Qatar’s Position and Strategic Perspectives

Leading regional and international experts examine the strategic implications of Iran’s leadership crisis and escalating conflict for the future of Middle East security.

Toward a New Middle East? Iran, Escalation, and Regional Realignment Online Experts Discussion

Leading regional and international experts examine the strategic implications of Iran’s leadership crisis and escalating conflict for the future of Middle East security.

The Repercussions of War on Iran and Regional Transformations

ME Council experts examine how the escalating Iran–Israel war could reshape Middle East security architecture, regional alignments, and the Gulf’s political economy.

Syria in Transition: Between Stability and State Fragmentation Online Experts Discussion

Featuring leading regional and international policy experts on Syria’s political transition, security dynamics, and reconstruction prospects.

Iran at a Crossroads: Will Domestic Unrest Reshape the Region?

As domestic protests intensify and regional alliances fracture, Iran faces a critical turning point. This panel gathers experts to analyze how Tehran’s internal instability and evolving external threats could reshape Middle East security.

Operation Rising Lion and the Gulf’s Balancing Act

In the wake of the recent Iran-Israel military confrontation, the Middle East Council on Global Affairs will host a webinar examining the implications of the 12-day conflict and what it reveals about shifting threat perceptions, regional deterrence, and Gulf security. Experts will explore the fallout from Iran’s strike on Al Udeid Air Base, the evolving U.S. security role, and Qatar’s mediation efforts, while discussing prospects for nuclear diplomacy and long-term de-escalation.

Israel-Iran Escalating Confrontation: What is at Stake in the region?

Israeli air defence systems are activated to intercept Iranian missiles over the Israeli city of Tel Aviv amid a fresh barrage of Iranian rockets on June 16, 2025. The Israeli military said early on June 16 that it was striking surface-to-surface missile sites in Iran, its latest move in three days of escalating conflict between the rival states. "The IDF is currently striking surface-to-surface missile sites in central Iran," Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Nadav Shoshani wrote on X. "We are operating against this threat in our skies and in Iranian skies." (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP)

Tensions between Israel and Iran show no signs of de-escalation, with both states engaging in direct attacks that risk triggering a broader regional conflict. The ongoing escalation has heightened fears of spillover into neighboring countries, particularly those hosting Western military bases, while conflict-affected states such as Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Syria face increased volatility and pressure from competing regional and international agendas

Sudan War: Two Years On

More than two years into Sudan’s war, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces continues to evolve, marked by territorial shifts and escalating humanitarian needs. This webinar brings together leading experts to examine recent developments, regional and international involvement, and the prospects for peace and relief efforts. Arabic interpretation will be available.

Yemen’s Scorching Summer: Strategic Crossroads for the US, Iran, and the Region

Amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea and renewed regional rivalries, Yemen’s conflict reflects a broader geopolitical reckoning. This ME Council panel brings together experts to unpack the implications of the US-Houthi ceasefire, the impact of US-Iran nuclear diplomacy on regional proxies, and the risks of wider escalation involving Israel. With internal divisions deepening and external pressures mounting, the discussion explores potential paths toward de-escalation and the role of regional actors in shaping Yemen’s future.

The Question of Syrian Refugee Return

The fall of the Assad regime has brought back to the fore questions around Syrian refugee return, including in neighboring countries, where refugees have long faced discrimination and restrictive legal and regulatory frameworks.

Shaping a Post-Assad Syria: Lessons from the Arab Spring

The fall of the Assad regime follows a 14-year civil war that has severely impacted Syria, resulting in mass displacement, economic collapse, and institutional erosion. While this post-Assad transition marks a significant turning point, the country faces considerable economic and social challenges. The experiences of other countries in the MENA region that have undergone leadership changes or regime collapse since 2011 highlight the difficulties of political transitions. In several cases, including Yemen, Libya, and Sudan, instability has led to prolonged civil conflict and state fragmentation, with devastating human costs. These precedents suggest that Syria’s recovery will be complex, requiring careful political and economic strategies to mitigate risks and create sustainable peace and stability.

The Gaza Genocide and the Erosion of Global Order

Over the past 16 months, the international system has struggled to cope with the far-reaching consequences of Israel’s destruction of Gaza, which has shaken the very foundations of international law and the so-called rules-based order.

Navigating the Digital Frontier: Cybersecurity and Geopolitics in the Middle East

In response to these evolving challenges, the Middle East Council on Global Affairs is organizing a webinar featuring a panel of experts to explore the intersection of cybersecurity and geopolitics in the region.

Building a New Syria After the Assad Regime

The Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council) is organizing a webinar to explore how Syria can navigate the challenges of fostering security, state-building, inclusive governance, minority protection, humanitarian relief, and economic recovery, despite decades of Ba’athist rule and the lasting impact of a 13-year civil conflict since 2011. This webinar will also examine the implications on Palestine and Lebanon, emphasizing Iran-backed resistance to Israel’s territorial ambitions contributing to rising regional tensions. It will also address regional relations with Syria’s Northeast and border security with Jordan, Iraq, Türkiye, and Israel.

MENA Youth Voices on Climate Change

As regional leaders from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) prepare to attend COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, young scholars, journalists, and community leaders are hoping to make their voice heard about the host of pressing climate challenges facing their countries and communities. Among the issues raised by youth activists in MENA are the insufficient action on… Continue reading MENA Youth Voices on Climate Change

The War in Sudan: Unfolding Humanitarian Crisis and Diplomatic Impasse

The Middle East Council on Global Affairs is organizing a webinar with a panel of experts to discuss the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe and the regional and international implications of the war. The discussion will convene leading experts to discuss most pressing challenges civilians face, strategies could be employed to protect vulnerable populations, especially in Darfur, key factors influencing mediation efforts, and the role of external actors playing in the conflict.

Natural Disasters and Climate Change in the MENA Region

The Middle East Council on Global Affairs is bringing together leading experts to explore the causes, impacts, and long-term consequences of these disasters.

Digital Deception: Disinformation, Elections, and Islamophobia

A recent report by disinformation researchers Marc Owen Jones and Sohan Dsouza revealed a multi-platform global influence campaign promoting anti-Muslim hate and sectarianism. Jones and Dsouza’s report highlights the use of disinformation to spread a broadly neoconservative agenda, including xenophobic, anti-immigration, and anti-Muslim propaganda and disinformation. The campaigns also sought to promote sectarian division in… Continue reading Digital Deception: Disinformation, Elections, and Islamophobia

A Region at War: Views from Lebanon, Iran, and Palestine

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the Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council) will host a webinar to unpack these major escalations and their regional aftershocks. The discussion will convene leading experts to analyze the impact of the recent assassinations and retaliations on the strategic calculations of Hezbollah, Hamas, Israel, and Iran.

Iran’s Elections: Domestic and Regional Implications

ME Council is holding a webinar to discuss with a panel of experts the results of the presidential elections in Iran following the death of former President Ebrahim Raisi.