Iran announces maritime alliance with Gulf states

The rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia has triggered new dynamics in the Gulf region. Now, Tehran announces the formation of a broad maritime alliance. This could change the balance of power in the region.

Iran is reportedly on the verge of forming a maritime alliance with countries like Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. Iranian media quoted naval commander Sharam Irani as saying that the countries had realized that only cooperation would bring security to the region. “Then we will witness the liberation of our region from unjustified forces. The people in the region will play a dominant role in security through the use of their own soldiers.”

Result of Saudi Arabia and Iran’s rapprochement

According to Irani, the alliance should be formed soon. No details were given about the structure of the alliance. The states participating in the alliance are said to include the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, India, Pakistan, and Iraq. There was no confirmation of the new alliance from the respective countries.

In March, Iran and Saudi Arabia approached each other with the help of China: In the framework of an agreement, the states agreed to resume their relations. They emphasized the need for regional stability and economic cooperation. This rapprochement has thwarted Israel’s efforts to diplomatically isolate Iran.

Will the US lose influence in the Persian Gulf?

The US – Iran’s arch-enemy – also has a naval presence in the Persian Gulf with the Fifth Fleet. The headquarters are located on the island state of Bahrain. From there, the US Navy patrols the waters of the region and regularly inspects ships in international waters for possible arms deliveries. Recently, the United Arab Emirates announced that it would withdraw from the international naval partnership with the US. The Emirates cited an evaluation of their partners’ cooperation as the reason for the move.

Strait of Hormuz as a conflict zone

In the past, there have been repeated military incidents in the Persian Gulf. These often sparked fierce political tensions. In particular, the Strait of Hormuz, an approximately 55-kilometer-wide strait between Iran and Oman, is considered one of the most important shipping routes for global oil exports – and therefore a constant conflict zone.