Waterways Conflict in the Middle East

 

Maritime security constitutes solid strategic importance based on its connection with energy security, as all waterways or straits knew in the military strategy as a bottleneck due to geography. However, these points often become centers of tension and conflict. They protect all waterways according to the articles of international law, which takes the strategic importance of all Straits, such as the Hormuz strait and Bab al-Mandab; Due to the passage of Middle Eastern oil through them to global markets. 

The Most Significant Waterways in the Middle East

1. Strait of Gibraltar: 

It's between the Iberian Peninsula in the north and North Africa. And in the south connects the water of the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, it is considered one of the most significant sea crossings in the world. The strait named the Pillars of Hercules in the past, so they said that behind it was the mythical continent of Atlantis.

 

2. Bab al-Mandab Strait: 

It is a waterway that connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. The importance of Bab al-Mandab remained limited until the opening of the Suez Canal. It turned into one of the most significant transport crossings on the sea route between European countries, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Indian Ocean.

 

3. Strait of Hormuz: 

One of the most significant waterways in the world and most ships pass from it. The strait of Hormuz exists in the Arabian Gulf region, separating the water of the Arabian Gulf on one side, the water of the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean on the other side.

Strategic importance

The two waterways (Bab al-Mandab and Hormuz strait) directly relate to the concepts of militarization of international water Strait of Hormuz represents a gate for about 40% of the world's seaborne oil. 

Bab al-Mandab Strait is a vital corridor for oil exports to Europe and international trade, as 3.5 million barrels of black crude pass through it, accounting for 30% of the world's oil according to "The World Factbook.

Besides, perhaps the most important indicator that can study it under this heading is the Arab-Iranian political and ideological battle and how it might develop into a struggle to seize the Strait of Hormuz. Besides, Iran has responded to one of the US sanctions in the past: "Either everyone will use the Strait of Hormuz or no one will use it." As a sign to turn the conflict into the water, from the military and technical point is it will be difficult for Iran to close the strait for a long time, but it will prevent maritime traffic in it. Any escalation will raise oil prices and international transport insurance rates. 

Obsessed with the Security of Waterways 

The concern for the security of waterways has been a problem for the Arab Gulf states. These countries have worked to develop long-term strategic plans in the event of the complete closure of the corridors on which these countries depend.

The concern about the security of waterways has been a problem for the Arab Gulf states. They develop long-term strategies if the complete closure happens for the corridors that these countries depend on, specifically, the UAE, since Iran seized three islands, "Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. In other words, we are facing an international case that reflects this obsession. 

That gives us an indication that it is difficult to disrupt and lock-off active waterways. At times, maritime traffic may face attacks such as piracy. But we know that these pressures will be costly to the exporting countries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the only possibility that could almost disrupt the maritime movement in the waterways is that they would become one of the arenas for military and war operations.

Written By - Shahd Aladwan

Edited By - Susan Ismail