Monday, June 16, 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Online-only
Israel-Iran Conflict Update
MEI will host another virtual briefing on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran on Monday, June 16 from 2:30 - 3:30 PM. The briefing will be on-the-record and open to the public.
Speakers
Alan Eyre, Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow, Middle East Institute
Alan Eyre is a former senior US diplomat and Iran expert who served as the State Department’s first Persian Language Spokesperson and as a core member of the US negotiating team for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. He led key regional offices and advised on US policy toward Iran for over two decades.
Amb. Barbara A. Leaf, Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow, Middle East Institute, Ambassador Leaf served as Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs from 2022 to 2025, where she shaped US diplomacy across the Middle East and advised Secretary Blinken on post-Oct. 7 Israel-Gaza crisis response. She previously served as US Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and as Director of the State Department’s Office of Iranian Affairs.
Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., USMC (Ret.), Distinguished Military Fellow, Middle East Institute, Gen. McKenzie served as Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), where he oversaw US military operations across the Middle East. His four-decade Marine Corps career included combat leadership in Afghanistan and Iraq and senior strategic roles at the Pentagon and on the Joint Staff.
Ken Pollack (Moderator), Vice President for Policy, Middle East Institute, Dr. Pollack began his career as a Persian Gulf military analyst at the CIA and served twice on the National Security Council, first as director for Near East and South Asian affairs and then as director for Persian Gulf affairs.