Retreating America & Persian Gulf

No one in Persian Gulf gave America ultimatum, unlike what took place in Cyprus, Iraq, and Niger. However, China, Russia, and Iran displayed military might to send a particular message to America.

Russia, China and Iran completed the at-sea phase of the Sea Security Belt 2024 exercise. It took place near the Gulf of Oman.

These three nemeses also carried out a shore phase of it. Their ensuing debriefing took place in the Iranian city of Chabahar.

TURKISH NAVAL MANEUVERS

Türkiye conducted two massive naval maneuvers in 2019 in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Ever since, there is fait-accompli in the name of “Mavi Vatan” in the body of waters surrounding the NATO ally.

Five years later, the once staunch Western ally now makes independent strides in and around these waters. So much so, there is already an “undeclared” ultimatum of sorts in effect, against Western navies.

Retreating America & Persian Gulf

America has naval bases in Oman, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. Plus, the 5th Fleet is based in Bahrain. Do they make American hegemony in the Persian Gulf?

Iran and Iraq are the two major oil producing countries in the world. The Persian Gulf is their only access to open waters for their natural resource shipments.

American Navy

The American Navy used to have full access to Türkiye and Israel. Lately for differing reasons, both countries are only getting occasional port visits.

The American navy effectively pulled back to Greece and Italy, respectively.

Entire Middle East, at one time, was part of the American hegemony. Today, America cannot claim anything but some sort of hegemony only in the Persian Gulf.

Could China-Russia-Iran naval maneuver mark a beginning of an end that too?

Competing Navies

Since 1979, Iran has been the only challenge for America in the Persian Gulf. Forty years later China, Russia, and Türkiye also make their presence felt. Even though, they are not there to dislodge America, times have changed.

In other words, competing foreign navies are establishing their modus operandi. China and Russia, so far, limit their presence with naval maneuvers. However, Türkiye for example, has long established a permanent naval base in Qatar.

Retreating America & Persian Gulf

Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Gulf of Oman are all integral parts of Persian Gulf. The ships pass through them to reach open waters. However, there is another set of bodies of waters and straits that are equally vital for Persian Gulf to prosper.

One of them is the Horn of Africa. Entire coastline belongs to Somalia where Türkiye has the biggest overseas military base and sea-rights with exclusive economic zones.

The other is the Bab-el-Mandeb, a strait between Yemen, Djibouti and Eritrea. It connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and by extension the Indian Ocean.

Turkish Naval Bases

Türkiye long declared Mavi Vatan in the surrounding seas. It’s now accepted as an ocean-going navy. It has permanent bases in Somalia and Qatar, but also in Sudan which is right in the heart of the Red Sea.

Additional Turkish military bases are reportedly soon to be announced. Oman and Kuwait are two prospects. Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia must also be in the picture. Turkish corvettes, tanks, air platforms are already in use there.

Retreating America & Persian Gulf

End of Hegemony

In light of how Türkiye is on its way to becoming an ocean going navy, the prospects must be clear to understand. Türkiye, as the spiritual leader of the Muslim world, is sure to be welcomed in more friendly ports.

Retreating America, on the other hand, does not need to worry about China, Russia, and Iran. They will never issue an ultimatum. They are aware of the transformation in the region. They know how beneficial it is to them to pursue their interest quietly.

Soon, more navies will join larger naval maneuvers in the Indian Ocean. Inner seas called “gulfs” will also get their share of show of force. In that respect, no one should be delusional. There will be no hegemony around to talk about that can interfere.

Basra to Istanbul

So, if it was not clear up to this moment, here is why China-Russia-Iran joint naval maneuver really took place.

It took place to send a specific message to America that the Basra to Istanbul highway will be built. America long objected this “New World Order Highway”.