London Conference 2026: A region in flux: The new geopolitics of the Middle East

Experts discuss the future of the Middle East, including what Iran will do next and whether Israel will exert its dominance.

Video

Published 16 July 2026 — 65 minute watch

Event video

— Experts discuss a region in flux at Chatham House’s 2026 London Conference.

At Chatham House’s London Conference on 9 July 2026, experts spoke on a panel titled ‘A region in flux: The new geopolitics of the Middle East.’

The panel examined what Iran will do next and discussed whether Israel will exert its dominance across the region, how the Gulf States will recover from the recent conflict, and whether the Gaza peace process is doomed to stagnation.

Speakers: 
Majed al-Ansari, Political Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Jean Aziz, Political Advisor to the President of the Lebanese Republic
Ambassador Barbara Leaf, Former Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, US Department of State
Mohsen Milani, Professor of Politics, University of South Florida.
Chair: Sanam Vakil, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House.