Middle East's 2026 forecast balances fragile peace and conflict

The Middle East enters 2026 at a crossroads. Gaza's shaky truce holds, but reconstruction stalls, while Israel faces political deadlock. Iran's leadership remains uncertain, with nuclear talks going nowhere. Optimists see space for reform, yet pessimists warn of renewed clashes. Between fragile calm and looming escalation, the region's future remains unpredictable and deeply contested.