The Highland Meeting in Utah on November 16, 2023, featured a critical discussion led by David Pyne, focusing on the geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran, Israel, and Taiwan. The meeting highlighted the potential consequences of military actions in these regions, particularly the risks of escalating conflicts involving major powers like Russia and China.

Pyne emphasized that an attack on Iran could provoke significant retaliation from both Russia and China, potentially through cyber warfare and attacks on U.S. satellites. He argued that there is no compelling reason for the U.S. to engage in military action against Iran, noting a long-standing peace approach by previous U.S. administrations, with the exception of Donald Trump's tenure. He pointed out that Israel, despite its military capabilities, has refrained from direct strikes against Iran, suggesting that Iran is unlikely to attack Israel directly due to its nuclear strength.

The discussion then shifted to the situation in Taiwan, where Pyne warned of a possible Chinese invasion. He noted that the Chinese Communist Party has long aimed to reclaim Taiwan, a goal dating back to the Chinese civil war. Pyne described China's military buildup, including the development of a formidable amphibious fleet, and predicted that an invasion could occur as early as next year or in early 2025. He expressed concern over the U.S. response, highlighting a backlog of $19 billion in arms sales to Taiwan that have been approved but not yet delivered. Pyne referenced comments from former President Trump, who expressed skepticism about the U.S.'s ability to defend Taiwan militarily due to its geographical distance from the mainland.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for the U.S. to reassess its military support for Taiwan and its strategic approach to Iran, as these issues could have far-reaching implications for global stability and security.