Former State Department and United Nations officials talked about Iran’s nuclear program, the U.S.-Iran relationship, Israel, and recent U.S. sanctions agains Iran’s energy, shipping and financial sector. All the panelists agreed that agreed that U.S.-Iran relations were at their worst-ever. Ms. Abdo stressed in her remarks the importance of viewing Iran in the context of the history of negotiations. Mr. Keiswetter, during questions from the audience, agreed that the real issue between the U.S. and Iran is not Iran’s nuclear arms program but rather strategic control of the Persian Gulf.