Middle East

The Middle East is undergoing a transformative moment where the old order is vanishing and a new one is beginning to take shape. Wars in Gaza and Iran, the evolution of terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and the fall of Bashar al Assad have dramatically changed the region, leading to unprecedented conflict and alliances in the midst of changing economies and energy flows. CSIS experts grapple with these fast-moving developments and explore questions surrounding issues such as geopolitics and geostrategy, governance, counterterrorism, economics, and water security.

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Jon Alterman

Jon B. Alterman

Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy
Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

President, Defense and Security Department; Harold Brown Chair
Daniel Byman

Daniel Byman

Director, Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program
Will Todman

Will Todman

Chief of Staff, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department; and Senior Fellow, Middle East Program
Andrew Faulhaber

Andrew Faulhaber

Visiting Fellow, Intelligence, National Security, and Technology Program

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Preventing Iran’s Military Reconstitution

Iran’s ability to reconstitute its military depends on its ability to import key materials and equipment. With the UAE’s role as Iran’s central reexport hub up in the air, policymakers have a narrow window to identify and disrupt new procurement routes as they take shape. 

Report by CSIS Scholars — June 23, 2026

The War May Be Ending. What Did Epic Fury Cost?

Iran war costs are estimated to be between $34 billion and $42 billion. As neither the FY 2026 defense budget nor the FY 2027 budget request includes war costs, Congress faces a major battle over paying for the war.

Report by Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park — June 23, 2026

G7 Critical Minerals Ambitions and Iran's Natural Resources

As G7 leaders discussed critical minerals coordination and strategies to de-risk supply chains, a U.S.-Iran deal opens the possibility for investment in Iran’s untapped copper as a new frontier for critical mineral investment.

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — June 18, 2026

Iran Won the Negotiation, Even Though It Lost the War

The full text of the framework agreement with Iran is now public, and it is lopsided. Iran gets most of what it wants, and it gets it up front—before negotiations on a final deal even start. The United States gets very little. Israel gets even less.

Commentary by Emily Harding — June 18, 2026

State of Play

Trump's Iran Deal: What Comes Next?

U.S. and Iran announce a framework deal with a 60‑day ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. CSIS experts analyze its winners, challenges ahead, and its impact on the Middle East.

Podcast Episode by CSIS Scholars — June 15, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS