Tuesday, May 20th from 12:00 – 1:00 PM Eastern Time.
Whither Trump’s Iran Deal?
by The Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft
What is the state of Donald Trump’s Iran diplomacy in the aftermath of his visit to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar? Nuclear talks with Iran have progressed in some aspects further in three months under Trump than under Joe Biden’s full presidency. But time is running out, as the technical aspects of a nuclear deal have proven more complicated than Trump may have anticipated. Moreover, mixed messages from Trump regarding his key objectives and red lines have further complicated the talks. At the same time, unlike 2015, Arab partners of the US, such as Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, are no longer opposed to a nuclear deal, but are actively seeking to help secure one.
To discuss these dynamics, join three of the most incisive voices on Iranian foreign policy and U.S. strategy in the Middle East: Vali Nasr, professor of International Affairs and Middle East Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS, Mohsen Milani, executive director of the Center for Strategic & Diplomatic Studies, University of South Florida, and Ellie Geranmayeh, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
The conversation will be moderated by Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute, and will explore how a diplomatic breakthrough might still be possible, what conditions could trigger collapse, and whether either side is prepared to show the required political will, courage, and creativity. Beyond the nuclear file, the discussion will also examine the broader strategic picture, including Tehran’s regional posture, GCC states’ shifting positions, and the impact of President Trump’s recent visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
The conversation will take place on