MEI regularly hosts leading experts, officials, and journalists, highlighting a range of voices from the region, at weekly in-person events in Washington, online webinars, and conferences.
Invitation-only discussions hosted by Vice President for Policy, Ken Pollack, offering off-the-record insights into the most pressing challenges shaping the Middle East and US strategic interests in the region. Contact [email protected] for information on how to join the invitation list.
After the Most Intense Day of Strikes on Iran: What Comes Next?
Watch a discussion with MEI Distinguished Military Fellow General Kenneth F. McKenzie (USMC, ret.) and MEI Senior Fellow Alex Vatanka as they seek make sense of the US military strategy and Iran's calculations as the conflict continues to shift and expand.
Join us to see our latest exhibition, Beyond the Weave: Contemporary Dialogues with AlSadu, at the upcoming First Friday Open House as part of Art Walk Dupont.
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.
