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Friday, June 20th 2025
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. / Eastern Time
Registration is NOT REQUIRED to view the program.
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Background and Context
Israel and Iran’s unprecedented attacks on each other’s populations and infrastructure have derailed nuclear and peace negotiations facilitated by the Sultanate of Oman, reshaping the geopolitical landscape and strategic calculations for the United States and Arab nations. These developments have forced the Trump administration to weigh the extent of U.S. involvement in Israeli-led operations against Iranian nuclear sites and to decide whether to support or restrain Israel’s escalation.
Meanwhile, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries must reassess their balancing acts—between strengthening ties with the U.S. and pursuing détente with Iran—raising questions about whether their responses will converge or continue to diverge. Across the broader Arab world, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and Algeria each face unique pressures and opportunities to shape regional diplomacy and contribute to de-escalation, whether through the UN, the Arab League, or bilateral efforts. Arab engagement with European powers may also play a critical role in shifting international responses.
This panel of distinguished regional experts will analyze these dynamics and offer fresh insights on pathways to stability, nuclear de-escalation, and long-term peace in the Middle East.
Welcome and Introduction
- Mr. H. Delano Roosevelt, President and CEO, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations | Bio
Moderated Discussion
Moderator:
- Dr. Fadi Hilani, Senior Academic and Research Fellow-in-Residence, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations | Bio
Featured Speakers:
- H.E. Sheikh Nawaf Al Thani, Former Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, State of Qatar; Distinguished International Defense Affairs Fellow, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations | Bio
- Ambassador (Ret.) James Jeffrey, Former Ambassador to Iraq and Turkey; Former U.S. Special Envoy to the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS; Chair of the Middle East Program, Slater Family Distinguished Fellow, Wilson Center | Bio
- Mr. Charles Glass, Former Chief Middle East Correspondent, ABC News; Author, Journalist, Broadcaster, and Publisher | Bio
- Dr. William Lawrence, Senior Academic and Research Fellow-in-Residence & Director of the North African Area Studies Program, National Council on U.S-Arab Relations | Bio