Washington: On June 26, 2025, the Usanas Foundation hosted a crucial discussion titled “Fractured Faultlines: Power Struggles in the Middle East,” featuring Daniel Benaim, an expert from the Middle East Institute and former U.S. official on Arabian Peninsula affairs. Moderated by Dr. Abhinav Pandya, the session addressed the complex and shifting geopolitics of West Asia. Benaim framed the recent instability in the region, particularly the “twelve-day war,” noting that while U.S. and Israeli strikes temporarily delayed Iran’s nuclear progress, the long-term impact remains unclear. He outlined three potential scenarios for Iran’s future: renewed diplomacy, a prolonged stalemate, or a rapid nuclear buildup akin to North Korea. Benaim also suggested a tacit coordination between Washington and Jerusalem during recent military actions, citing weakened Iranian defenses as a key factor.
Rejecting the feasibility of externally engineered regime change in Iran, Benaim emphasized that internal dynamics will drive any political transformation. He expressed cautious optimism about regional initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), seeing India as a vital partner for Gulf nations.
