A moderated discussion featuring:

• Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Bourse & Bazaar Foundation

• Yousuf Al Bulushi, Muscat Policy Center

• Rashid Al Mohanadi, Center for International and Policy Research

• Mahdi Ghuloom, Observer Research Foundation

• Mansour Almarzoqi, Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies

The ongoing Iran–US negotiations cannot be understood solely as a bilateral process between Washington and Tehran. The GCC states are directly affected by their outcome and are already playing different roles in shaping the diplomatic environment surrounding the talks. Qatar is involved as a mediator, Oman is central to the Strait of Hormuz file, and Saudi Arabia and the UAE are influencing the wider regional context through their diplomatic positioning, security concerns, economic interests, and postwar engagement with Iran.

The Bourse & Bazaar Foundation is convening a 90-minute public dialogue with Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Yousuf Al Bulushi, Rashid Al Mohanadi, Mahdi Ghuloom, and Mansour Almarzoqi. Moderated by Mehran Haghirian, the dialogue will examine the role of the GCC states in the Iran–US MoU, the ongoing negotiations, and the prospects for a future regional security and economic architecture.

The discussion will test three propositions: whether the GCC states already have a meaningful role in the negotiations through both direct and indirect channels; whether the Hormuz file could provide the basis for an inclusive multilateral administrative framework for the strait, including possible maritime service or environmental fees consistent with freedom of transit; and whether a parallel process is needed to prepare the ground for a structured Iran–GCC–Iraq dialogue on regional security, deconfliction, and economic interdependence.

To participate, please register by clicking the button below.

For more information, contact Maryam Ashrafi at maryam [at] bourseandbazaar.org.

Register for the Webinar

Register for the Webinar

A moderated discussion featuring:

• Stephen Fallon: Founder of DBM Consulting and an Associate Fellow at the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation. Previously the Chief Compliance Officer at INSTEX.

• Josh Kram: Managing Director of Westbrook Global Advisory. Previously Senior Advisor for Strategy and Policy at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and Vice President, International Strategy & Global Partnerships at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

• Delaney Simon: Senior Analyst for the US Program at the International Crisis Group, where her research focuses in part on U.S. approaches to sanctions termination.

On 17 June, the President Trump and President Pezeshkian signed the Islamabad Memorandum, a framework agreement that establishes terms for further negotiations between the United States and Iran, including cessation of military strikes, the lifting of the blockades in the Strait of Hormuz, and the provision of interim sanctions relief.

Nearly halfway through the 60 days allotted for the negotiations, the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation is convening a 75-minute webinar with Stephen Fallon, Josh Kram, and Delaney Simon. Moderated by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, the panel will examine the potential global, regional, and national economic impacts of the U.S.-Iran MOU. The speakers will interpret the economic provisions of the agreement and discuss the interim sanctions relief to be received by Iran, including the newly issued general license, GL-X. Given the historic risks and lingering effects of sanctions, the panelists will also discuss the feasibility of full sanctions termination for Iran, and the conditions that international and American businesses might require to pursue economic opportunities in Iran.

Time will be allocated for audience questions. This webinar will be held under the Chatham House Rule and will not be recorded. To participate, please register by clicking the button below.

For more information, contact Josefine Petrick at josefine [at] bourseandbazaar.org.

Register for the Webinar