The Middle East–America Dialogue (MEAD) summit opened in Washington on Tuesday for two days of closed-door discussions, bringing together senior figures from the US, Israel and across the Middle East as reports of strikes in Doha and high-stakes negotiations over a hostages deal raised the stakes for the gathering. One of MEAD's founders is former Jerusalem Post editor in chief Yaakov Katz.
Organizers said delegates from 15 countries are taking part, including representatives from 11 Middle Eastern states, some of which do not have formal diplomatic ties with Israel. The invitation-only forum is designed to deepen US engagement in the region and advance practical integration across security, diplomacy and commerce.
Sessions will focus on defense and intelligence cooperation, technology, energy, finance, business and governance. The format emphasizes small-room conversations and working sessions that can translate into follow-up projects after the summit ends.
The Chatham House Rule
By design, MEAD operates under the Chatham House Rule (participants may use the information shared without attributing it to specific speakers). Organizers say the strict confidentiality is meant to encourage candid exchanges, allow discussion of sensitive material and build trust among interlocutors who rarely meet outside formal diplomatic channels.
The timing adds urgency. The summit convenes on September 9–10 amid reports of targeted strikes in Doha and ongoing efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages, with Washington and regional capitals seeking both immediate de-escalation steps and a longer-term framework for stability.
MEAD has emerged over the past year as a prominent venue for US-Middle East dialogue. The Washington meeting is expected to include current and former officials alongside business leaders and financiers, with the goal of converting private discussions into practical cooperation that strengthens regional integration.