Trump seeking allies against Iran

The US currently is looking for allies with whom they could establish a military coalition in defense of oil tankers in the Persian Gulf region. According to American General Joseph Dunford, it's especially about “that secured freedom in the Strait of Hormuz and the naval route of Bab el Mandab”. The United States, according to Dunford, will provide their sea route surveillance capacities. Civil ships, according to the U.S., can be accompanied by those navys, under whose flag they are sailing.

Hormuz Strait has particular strategic significance for the world economy. A third of the world's oil is transported by this sea route between Oman and Iran. It is an important node for large oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, United Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq and their markets in Asia, Europe, North America. The Bab el Mandab naval route is in the middle of Yemen and the Gibutt of Eritrea, thus creating the southern approach of the Red Sea, which in the north ends in the Suez Canal, writes DW.

Tensions Between US and Iran Grow

Because part of the shipping route passes through Iranian waters, this country has threatened several times with the blocking of the Hormuz Strait. In recent weeks tensions between Tehran and Washington have increased significantly due to US sanctions following US departure from the atomic deal, but also because in June two oil tankers in the Gulf area have been attacked. Washington makes Tehran responsible for the attack. Tehran refuses that. A American threat from Iran collapsed later. This Wednesday, Iran seems to have tried again, this time trying to stop a British tank.

Not only the US, but also Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and United Emirates want to repel Iran's influence in the region. German Foreign Policy Association expert (DGAP) Sebastian Sons agrees that the idea of creating a military coalition has found positive echoes, especially in these states.

Searching for Partners

We are in contact with a number of countries, US Navy General Joseph Dunford has said. Next week we will see which countries will have the political will to join this initiative. “Trump has made it a reality of the electoral promise to exit the atomic agreement and is now following Iran's further isolation course. ”

Iran is not only the biggest enemy of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is also the closest US ally in the region. The US can be sure, that the Saudi kingdom will support the military coalition. Even the relationship between prince heir Mohammed Bean Salman and Donald Trump is considered very close. “Madje can be described as an addiction relationship, at least from the Saudi side”, says expert Sons.

The US can also count on supporting other countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, although Dubai's Emirat in the past has taken a more conciliatory course with Iran because of economic interests. “Dominance within the Emirates has moved towards Abu Dhabi.” expert Sebastian Sons takes into account this influence of the heir prince Mohammed Bins Zayed the actual ruler of the United Arab Emirates. It clearly rules the political discourse in the United Emirates, which together with Saudi Arabia see themselves at the front of the anti-Iranian front.

A New Relationship With Qatar

That even little Emirat, Qatar has to do for itself, so has Donald Trump. He recently hosted Qatar's sheik, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, whom Trump in Washington called <x0mic>”. In this case, Qatar has bought weapons and Boeing aircraft from the US, and the two countries have agreed together to build a factory in the south of the US.

At a time in 2017, the situation was different when Saudi Arabia, Emirats, and other neighboring countries blocked Qatar, a US - sponsored blockade. “Cathar is unfortunately the sponsor of terrorism and this is at a very high level”, Trump said. Even because of close ties with Iran, Qatar was the US inhospitable.

Since then, the U.S. President has taken a 180 degree turn. The most important American military base in the region is in Qatar”, Sebastian Sons has said. Due to logistical reasons, now that tensions between the US and Iran have increased, Qatar takes on a very important role. Qatar is also active in the region. He is one of Gaza's largest supporters, without his help, the danger of Israel's war would increase. The rulers in Qatar have more influence on Taliban than any other Gulf country, so in the peace talks held in Qatar, this country has an important role. Adds this: The murder of journalist Jamal Khashogi and the escape of Dubai's princess have damaged the image of Saudi Arabia and Emirates. Donald Trump knows that too.

Balance Between Saudi Arabia and Iran

For Qatar, however, such a military coalition is doubling separately. On the one hand Qatar enjoys a reception in Washington, “because this represents an increase in the international assessment”. But it also shows that the blockade of Saudi Arabia and the United Emirates was not crowned successfully. “Cathar plays an important regional and international role further. ”

In the past Qatar has tried to maintain the balance between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and wants the course even further. “Katar will try to maintain restraint, but not open up against the idea of such a military coalition”, says expert Sons.

US won't keep spending alone

The US Secretary of State referred to 20 coalition partners in securing shipping. Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman are counted from the bay along with the three main actors. Experts Sebastian Sons agree that Bahrain will follow the interests of Saudi Arabia because he is economically dependent on the Kingdom. Kuwait and Oman can be more cautious. “They don't have a strong army, and they're in poor economic condition.” But it is thought they will not boycott such a project.

According to American General Donald Trump, it is important that the United States not keep the expenses of such a mission alone. A military coalition would be another step to repel Iran's influence on its territorial borders.