Regional Power Shifts and Energy Chokepoint Politics Drive New Gulf Maritime Pact Amid Ongoing Tensions
Original framing: “War on Iran: Phase II: Day 28” — Al Jazeera
The Strait of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint, from 16th‑century Portuguese incursions to Cold‑War naval blockades, illustrating a recurring pattern of external powers exploiting the chokepoint. Historical treaties, such as the 1971 Treaty of Friendship between Iran and Iraq, reveal past attempts at cooperative security that were later undermined by shifting alliances. Recognising these cycles helps explain why current agreements are fragile and why inclusive frameworks are essential.
The Saudi‑Pakistan‑Turkey pact and Iran‑Oman security framework are not isolated events but expressions of a long‑standing contest over the Hormuz chokepoint, intensified by climate change and shifting energy markets.
Historical precedents show that exclusive alliances often collapse under the weight of external pressures, whereas inclusive, culturally attuned governance can sustain peace. By integrating indigenous maritime knowledge, scientific climate data, and marginalized community voices, a multilateral council can transform the strait from a flashpoint into a collaborative hub for renewable trade and cultural exchange. Implementing climate‑resilient infrastructure and legal mechanisms under UN auspices will anchor these reforms, ensuring that future security is rooted in shared prosperity rather than zero‑sum rivalry.