From 1–5 June 2026, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies hosted a five-day seminar titled “MENA Security Cooperation and Partner States” in Washington, D.C. The event included 24 participants from 13 countries, and provided a venue for partners to develop actionable recommendations that build trust, align security policies, and lay the groundwork for more durable mechanisms for multilateral security dialogue and coordination.

Subject matter experts delivered presentations on U.S. foreign policy priorities, transnational threats and security opportunities, the Abraham Accords, and the Iran conflict. Each afternoon featured an interactive exercise in which participants identified a regional security challenge and developed policy recommendations to address it. On the final day, participants briefed the full cohort on their observations, recommendations, and conclusions, collectively developing a framework for addressing shared security challenges. Course Director Dr. Michael Sharnoff facilitated the seminar and guided discussions throughout the program.

Participants from defense, security, and diplomatic institutions were encouraged to identify opportunities for cooperation, examine areas of disagreement, develop policy proposals, and consider implementation strategies. Through the exchange of diverse perspectives and the development of professional relationships and networks, participants explored innovative approaches to advancing cooperation on shared strategic interests. All discussions were conducted off the record under the Chatham House Rule, ensuring non-attribution and fostering candid dialogue among participants.