The Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM) has announced its weekly Global Risk Forum sessions, 420 and 421, taking place today, Thursday, March 12 at 5pm GMT and 12pm EDT and tomorrow, Friday, March 13. The sessions will focus on the ongoing and escalating conflict in the Middle East, between Iran and the US together with Israel, as strikes, missiles and political upheaval continue to threaten to destabilize the region.

Every day brings new developments — from drone attacks to sudden shifts in leadership — keeping tensions high and the world watching closely. Meanwhile, the United States’ intentions remain unclear, with no defined vision of what an end to hostilities could look like.

Inside Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei has been named the new supreme leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Long regarded as a powerful figure behind the scenes, he is expected to continue — and possibly intensify — his father’s hardline policies. Thousands have rallied in Tehran to show support, yet many ordinary Iranians remain sceptical that this leadership change will bring meaningful reform.

The human toll is escalating. Over 1,200 people have died, roughly 10,000 are injured and civilian areas continue to bear the brunt of the attacks.

The conflict is spilling beyond Iran’s borders. Missiles and drones have struck Israel, Gulf states and Lebanon, displacing hundreds of thousands. Concerns over Iranian energy infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz have driven oil prices higher, while the US monitors the broader impact on global markets and regional security.

This week at Global Risk Forum 420 & 421, as well as talking about anything else that is on your radar, the ISRM team will unpack these developments and tackle the pressing questions: What comes next, and how far could this spiral?

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