Middle East faces critical window for change as Trump’s time in office runs down

A recent Middle East-America Dialogue (MEAD) conference in Washington, attended by senior officials from Israel, the US, and the Middle East, highlighted a critical 28-month window to implement significant regional changes before the end of the current US administration. The conference emphasized that "the perfect" should not hinder progress in addressing challenges in Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon. Key developments include extensive damage to Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities, coupled with an economic blockade and support for internal dissent, aiming to destabilize the regime. Regarding Gaza, participants stressed the importance of patiently implementing President Trump's 20-point plan, focusing on demilitarization and deradicalization, despite its complexities and risks, as alternatives are considered far worse. The overarching sentiment was that while patience is crucial, it must be accompanied by urgency to anchor these processes before a potential shift in US policy.