Analysis
The Israel-Iran war: Scenarios for the days — and years — ahead
The evolving confrontation with Israel and the United States places the Islamic Republic of Iran at a critical inflection point. Tehran faces choices that range from limited negotiation and strategic restraint to escalation and eventual collapse. The following analysis explores the key scenarios that could unfold in the coming days, weeks, and years.
Virtual Briefing Series
MEI’s Virtual Briefing Series is a bi-weekly program that brings together regional and subject-matter experts to provide in-depth analysis on breaking news and key issues in the Middle East and their global implications.
Latest Publications
Bonus Episode: Updates on the Israel-Iran Conflict
Jun 18, 2025Welcome to a special Bonus Episode of Middle East Focus. We're pleased to bring you access to a recent MEI press briefing on the evolving Israel-Iran conflict, recorded on June 16, 2025. You'll hear from MEI’s Distinguished Diplomatic Fellows Barbara A. Leaf and Alan Eyre, as well as our Distinguished Military Fellow Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., USMC (ret.), who bring decades of firsthand experience working on Iran policy and regional security issues.
From Tehran to Gaza with Eyal Hulata
Jun 17, 2025
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Press Briefing: Israel-Iran War Enters Its Second Week
Maximal Miniatures
Contemporary Art from Iran
January 31 - August 22, 2025
Curated by Donna Honarpisheh
Maximal Miniatures features the work of 13 leading contemporary Iranian artists who reimagine the rich visual tradition of the Persian miniature genre through inventive formal techniques, including experimentations with scale, color, composition, figuration, and abstraction.
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Photo: Farah Ossouli. David and I (2), 2014. Gouach on cardboard. 75 x 110 cm
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The MEI Art Gallery is open to the public weekdays from 10am to 5pm (closed for federal holidays). Visitors are encouraged to register for a timed visit at the link below, but walk-ins are also welcome.
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MEI’s scholars draw on deep ties and decades of experience working in the region to build better understanding of Middle East policy.
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We seek to promote knowledge of the Middle East in America and strengthen understanding of the United States by the peoples and governments of the region. We believe pursuit of this goal is integral to building a world of peace and stability, in which the people of our two regions value our shared humanity.
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Our international conflict resolution dialogues bring together civil society and political leaders to achieve impact through cooperation both in and outside of the region.