Strikes, Collapse, and Convergence: Rethinking Security in the Middle East

Gregg Roman will analyze the Middle East’s transformation following Syria’s collapse and Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Based on MEF intelligence and meetings in Baghdad, Dubai, and Jerusalem, he will explain how Turkey’s backing of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham as Syria’s new government creates security challenges Washington and Jerusalem did not anticipate. Roman will detail why Iran’s nuclear infrastructure remains resilient despite strikes and what the Trump administration must do to prevent breakout. He will argue that Israel should reoccupy Gaza to eliminate Hamas’s governance and establish security zones. Roman will address the convergence of ISIS fighters regrouping in Syria, Qatar’s influence in American institutions, and the Abraham Accords’ uncertain future as Saudi normalization stalls—providing recommendations for protecting American interests in a region where traditional alliances no longer ensure security.