Where this was said
The Islamabad Quartet, the End of the U.S. Security Umbrella, and the MOU
At 25:00 · chapter starts 21:20
The episode's final analytical section paints a sweeping picture of how the post-conflict Middle East is being reorganized. The Islamabad Quartet — Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia — is described as the driving force behind a new regional security architecture that replaces U.S. influence with a Chinese-backed framework. An Iranian civil aircraft landing in Sana'a and breaking Yemen's 11-year blockade is cited as concrete evidence of this realignment. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister and parliamentary speaker have both spoken publicly about China's growing security role. The memorandum of understanding signed after the conflict, Meiselas states, gives Iran control of the Strait of Hormuz, with Arab nations — not the U.S. — deciding future transit. Despite this, the Trump administration continues to treat the MOU as the opening of new negotiations rather than a finalized agreement. Pakistan's elevated role is explained in part by a reported ~$500 million crypto fund payment to Trump that bought it special access. Russia's Medvedev also attended, alongside China's top congressional delegation. Meiselas closes by calling on viewers to see the reality clearly: Trump's 'wow, the crowds are so big' response is what happens when a president pursues a strategy built on fantasy rather than intelligence. [1] — Ben Meiselas "A new regional alliance — Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, dubbed the Islamabad Quartet — is deepening ties with Iran and effecti…" 21:20
Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are forming what analysts call the 'Islamabad Quartet,' deepening ties with Iran and reshaping regional security architecture.
A new regional alliance — Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, dubbed the Islamabad Quartet — is deepening ties with Iran and effectively replacing the U.S. security umbrella with a Chinese one. An Iranian civil aircraft already broke Yemen's 11-year blockade, and the MOU gives Iran control of the Strait of Hormuz.
An Iranian civil aircraft landing in Sana'a, Yemen reopened the Sana'a-Tehran route, breaking an 11-year blockade and signaling new regional alignment.
The ceasefire memorandum of understanding reportedly states that Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, with Arab nations deciding on future transit — not the United States.
Pakistan reportedly gave Donald Trump approximately $500 million in a crypto fund, elevating its role as a key mediator in Iran-related negotiations.
