Overview
In February 2026, the US and Israel initiated a war in the Middle East against Iran. Since then, the warring sides have oscillated between strikes, a fragile ceasefire and the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz. Open hostilities resumed in mid-July. More recently, the Houthis in Yemen have threatened Saudi shipping through the Bab al-Mandab, raising the risk to shipping through that critical waterway.
For the first webinar of The Atlantic Brief, RUSI and War on the Rocks present a dialogue on The Strait of Hormuz and the Future of Free Navigation, exploring the consequences of the present conflict for the Middle East and for other maritime routes. Participating experts from the UK and the US bring decades of first-hand experience in diplomacy and policy.
Speakers
- Nicholas Hopton, Former UK Ambassador to Libya (2019-21), Iran (2015-18), Qatar (2013-15), and Yemen (2012-13). RUSI Distinguished Fellow in International Security.
- Rachel Ziemba, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security; War on the Rocks contributor.
Moderator: Dr Jonathan Eyal, Associate Director, RUSI. With introductory remarks from War on the Rocks.
Subsequent editions of the webinar series will offer Members from RUSI and War on the Rocks a transatlantic perspective on other pressing defence and security issues.
How to attend
The webinar is open to both RUSI Members and War on the Rocks Members. However, please note that only RUSI Members can register on this page. If you have any questions regarding this event, please email [email protected] or [email protected]
The event will be recorded and uploaded subsequently for Members from RUSI and War on the Rocks.
Partnership between:
