Washington: The Doha Forum, the leading global platform for dialogue and diplomacy, in collaboration with the Atlantic Council (AC), organized a high-level panel discussion in Washington, D.C., titled: Strategic Hedging in the Gulf: Balancing the Ambitions of Iran, the United States, and China.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event, hosted by the Embassy of the State of Qatar, explored how Gulf states are navigating shifting power dynamics between Iran, the United States, and China. It took place against the backdrop of escalating regional security challenges, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue, respect for international law, and the protection of civilians.
The session convened leading policymakers, academics, and regional experts to examine how Gulf countries are reshaping their strategies amid rapid regional and international transformations, including the American role in the region, the rising economic and political influence of China, Russia’s regional engagement, and proxy activities that continue to destabilize the area.
HE Executive Director of the Doha Forum, Mubarak Ajlan Al Kuwari, opened the session with a welcoming address. Participants included Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari, Vice President of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at AC and former US Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs, HE Ambassador Paula Dobriansky, and Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the Eurasia Group, Firas Maqsoud.
The session was moderated by Kirsten Fontenrose, Senior Non-Resident Fellow at AC. Dr. Majid Al Ansari highlighted the changing security landscape, emphasizing that failure to act could have consequences for the entire region and may alter the security framework that has been known for decades.
Jonathan Panikoff of the Scowcroft Center welcomed the opportunity to partner with the Doha Forum as a leading platform for dialogue on peace and security in the Middle East. He noted that this session provides critical analysis of US national security interests amid profound transformations in the Gulf and Washington’s recalibration of its approach.
He added that the timing of this session is pivotal to understanding the ambitions of the US, China, and Russia in the region, as well as the aspirations of Gulf partners and their neighbors, who are consolidating their growing presence on the international stage amid a global system marked by instability.
HE Mubarak Al Kuwari expressed pride in partnering with AC in hosting this discussion at a decisive moment for Gulf security and diplomacy. He mentioned that recent events in Doha serve as a reminder of the fragility of peace and the importance of sustained, principle-based cooperation.
He stressed that the mission is to gather diverse perspectives on the foremost challenges confronting the world today, ensuring that dialogue translates into practical steps toward a safer, more stable future.