About this episode

The episode discusses the recent US-Iran talks in Pakistan and the challenges ahead.

This bonus episode of Middle East Focus features a recent MEI Virtual Briefing. Director of Communications Zeina Al-Shaib is joined by MEI Distinguished Diplomatic Fellows Alan Eyre and Daniel Benaim to discuss the historic talks held in Pakistan last weekend between the United States and Iran. Tehran insists the US failed to gain its trust, while the US made its red lines clear and declared it would blockade Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf. What happens next? Eyre and Benaim offer insights into what goes on behind the scenes at such negotiations; identify the core issues at play; explore potential incentives to end the war; analyze the weaponization of energy; as well as assess the role of other regional players in this conflict. Watch the Virtual Briefing Series here . Recorded on April 15, 2026.

People in this episode

Host: Zeina Al-Shaib

Guests: Alan Eyre, Daniel Benaim

Topics covered

• US-Iran relations
• diplomatic negotiations
• energy politics
• regional conflict
• trust issues
• blockade strategies

Keywords

• US Iran talks
• diplomatic briefing
• energy weaponization
• regional players
• blockade
• trust issues

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Middle East Institute

Places: Pakistan, United States, Iran, Persian Gulf

More episodes of Middle East Focus

• Violence, Settlements, and Creeping Annexation in the West Bank · April 30, 2026 · 39 min
• A New-Old Regime in Tehran · April 23, 2026 · 31 min
• How the War May Reshape Iran's Political Future · April 16, 2026 · 43 min
• Iraq in Between Iran and the United States · April 9, 2026 · 44 min
• Special Episode: Europe and the Iran War · April 2, 2026 · 58 min
• As Iran Weakens, Can Hamas Survive? · March 26, 2026 · 38 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Middle East Focus podcast page.