Exclusive, in-depth briefings on the region’s most impactful trends and issues.
Escalating conflict in the Middle East is not only destabilizing this geo-strategically vital region but also upending global security, business, trade, and politics. To help make sense of a complex and rapidly changing regional landscape, MEI has organized a Virtual Briefing Series, moderated by our Senior Director of Communications and Events Zeina Al-Shaib. In this series, our experts provide insights and analysis on the latest developments, examine immediate and long-term ramifications, and answer questions from an invitation-only audience including journalists and members of MEI’s Corporate Council. Video recordings and transcripts of past briefings can be found below.
To learn more about the series and receive invitations to join the live Q&A with MEI’s experts, please contact [email protected].
US Military Posture and Strike Options Against Iran
On January 14, as the Iranian regime brutally cracked down on the largest street protests the country had seen in years, US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to persevere, posting on social media “help is on its way.” At the time, however, limited US military resources in the theater constrained the president’s military options.
In the ensuing month since Trump’s post, the Pentagon has repositioned significant forces to the Middle East. This has led to wide speculation that the US is preparing for renewed strikes on Iran even as the Trump administration pursues diplomatic talks with the Iranian regime.
To better understand the military planning and force posture dynamics shaping US policy choices, this briefing featured two Distinguished Military Fellows, former commander of the 5th Fleet VADM Kevin Donegan, USN (Ret.), and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Mick Mulroy. MEI Senior Fellow Jason Campbell moderated the discussion.
