Iran's strikes reshape Middle East, challenging US influence and Gulf stability

Recent Iranian strikes, code-named "Sincere Promise 4," have targeted Gulf monarchies and strategic maritime passages, signaling a significant shift in the Middle East's geopolitical landscape. This offensive, in response to a late February US-Israeli attack, saw the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps strike Tel Aviv and crucial American bases in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The strikes have exposed the vulnerability of Gulf monarchies, traditionally seen as stable and protected by the US, by hitting energy infrastructure and disrupting global production. Iran's strategy aims to leverage its geographical position, threatening to block strategic straits like Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, which are vital for global energy trade. This gives Iran immense leverage, potentially allowing it to influence global economic negotiations. The article suggests that the US alliance, once a symbol of security, is now perceived by some Gulf nations as a liability, attracting strikes and potentially leading to demands for the withdrawal of American troops. This could pave the way for a new regional security system where Iran holds greater sway, marginalizing traditional US influence. The initial US-Israeli offensive against Iran may have inadvertently strengthened Iran's position, fostering closer ties with powers like Russia and China, and enabling it to exert influence over Gulf rivals through economic and strategic pressure rather than military conquest. Th