Apr 17, 2026
This bonus episode of Middle East
Focus features a recent MEI Virtual Briefing. Director of
Communications Zeina Al-Shaib is joined by MEI Distinguished
Diplomatic Fellows Alan Eyre and Daniel Benaim to discuss the
historic talks held in Pakistan last weekend between the United
States and Iran. Tehran insists the US failed to gain its trust,
while the US made its red lines clear and declared it would
blockade Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf. What happens next? Eyre
and Benaim offer insights into what goes on behind the scenes at
such negotiations; identify the core issues at play; explore
potential incentives to end the war; analyze the weaponization of
energy; as well as assess the role of other regional players in
this conflict.
Watch the Virtual Briefing Series here.
Recorded on April 15, 2026.