DMNSF – Oct. 1, 2025

The Middle East is entering a decisive and turbulent phase, as recent months have seen sharp escalations involving Iran, Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the United States. In this timely forum, Tirdad Daei, Ph.D., joins us in a discussion moderated by Col. (Ret.) Scott Weaver that examines the strategic legacy of the Persian Empire and its enduring imprint on the Middle East’s political landscape, explores the complex historical relationship between Iran and Israel, and analyzes how ideological agendas, shifting alliances, and economic pressures are driving today’s conflicts. Against the backdrop of recent missile exchanges, proxy warfare, nuclear brinkmanship, and emerging diplomatic initiatives, the discussion will shed light on the roots of mistrust, the significance of leadership transitions and negotiations, and the implications for U.S. national security. Attendees will gain a nuanced perspective on how ancient legacies intersect with modern realities to reshape the region’s prospects for stability or turmoil.

Tirdad Daei, Ph.D., brings 18 years of distinguished service as a U.S. Army civilian, currently serving in the office of the Dean of Academics at the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) and the Army University’s Policy and Guidance Oversight Committee (PGOC). He is a senior instructional systems specialist known for shaping professional military education through innovation and strategic foresight. Daei previously served as academic director for U.S. Central Command regional analysis at the Special Operations Center of Excellence.

Daei has been earned the Army Superior Civilian Service Medal — the second-highest award for Army civilians, and the Civilian Commendation Medal, the fifth-highest honor. He is a frequent speaker on Middle Eastern geopolitics, with a particular focus on Iran and regime atrocities, drawing from his personal background as the son of a political prisoner during the Iran-Iraq War. His work integrates historical analysis, ideological insight, and regional dynamics to inform national security strategies.

Colonel M. Scott Weaver, U.S. Army, Ret., is an accomplished leader and educator with 27 years of experience in organizational leadership, global program management, strategic analysis, and operational planning. A combat veteran, he has served in strategic-level assignments centered on Southwest Asia and Europe. Weaver served nine years on the faculties of the Army’s three degree-granting institutions: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Command and General Staff College, and the War College.

Weaver is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and holds master’s degrees in Strategic Studies (U.S. Army War College), Military Arts and Sciences (School of Advanced Military Studies, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College), Business Administration (University of Missouri-Kansas City), and Arts (University of Iowa).

Questions about registration? – Contact Stephenie Cole, scole@cgscf.org or call 913-651-0624.

For questions about the DMNSF contact Lt. Col. (Ret.) John Nelson, Simons Center Director, at john.nelson@cgscf.org.

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.

The Des Moines National Security Forum is an exclusive professional information sharing and networking event exclusively for members of the forum and select invitees of the CGSC Foundation’s Simons Center and Brownells, the co-hosts of the Forum.

~ Thank you to our 2025 DMNSF Sponsors ~