Sino-Iran Deal and the Future of Gulf Geo-Politics

[PJL]

Whereas the recently announced Sino-Iran deal cuts at the US policies vis-à-vis both China and Iran, China’s multi-billion dollar is quite likely to change the balance of power in the Middle East to Iran’s favour. With China establishing a direct presence in Iran and around the Persian Gulf/Strait of Hormuz, not only will Iran’s military position change and its capacity to project hard power increase, but investment worth billions of dollars will change its economic outlook as well, boosting its capacity vis-a-vis its rival states, particularly Saudi Arabia. At the same time, China’s permanent foothold in the region will boost Beijing’s global power, increase its ability to exert influence on regional developments, particularly in Iraq and Syria, and challenge the US traditional supremacy as well.

Iran and the regional geo-politics

As far as Iran is concerned, the presence of China within Iran and a subsequent better economic outlook would not necessarily make it invest even more money in militarily countering its rival states. While a lot focus in the western main stream media is being laid on the ‘fact’ that an economically stronger Iran will threaten the US and Saudi interests in the region, it is also a fact that an economically stronger Iran will keep moderates in power, keeping the possibility of better relations with other Gulf and Arab states open. This will add to the fact that a number of regional powers and Iran’s erstwhile rival states, such as the UAE, are already inching towards a new era of bi-lateral relations with Iran. Therefore, an economically (and militarily) stronger Iran will not necessarily trigger a negative competition in the region. ........https://journal-neo.org/2020/08/06/s...-geo-politics/

[Ransom]

Let me see if I get that straight...….according to the above post...."it is also a fact that an economically stronger Iran will keep moderates in power"

Uhhh….the current Revolutionary Government in Iran...is "moderate?" The Mullahs in Iran, the current Ayatollah regime is "moderate?"

Am I reading that wrong.....am I confused....that seems to suggest a strong economy in Iran aided by China will help Iran "keep" the 'moderate' Revolutionary Government?

Late last month, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had strong words for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He accused Abu Dhabi of an “unacceptable approach” toward Iranian firms operating in the Emirates. Zarif also pointed to the Yemen War, saying that the UAE has made “strategic and political mistakes.” While at a summit in Amman on January 31 with his counterparts from other Arab states, the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash condemned Tehran’s regional conduct. He praised the summit for advancing “Arab cooperation” and blasted Iran and Turkey’s “unacceptable regional interventions.”

These words from Iran and the UAE’s chief diplomats follow a series of incidents that have recently exacerbated tensions in Abu Dhabi-Tehran relations at a time in which the Trump administration is working to unite Arab states behind an anti-Iranian coalition. Abu Dhabi, the emirate which dictates the country’s foreign policy, has strongly supported the U.S. exit from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and Washington’s sanctions on Tehran and been a key advocate of establishing an Arab NATO alliance in line with the White House’s vision for pushing back against Iran’s influence. Moreover, with the so-called “anti-Iran summit” in Poland beginning today, the UAE’s participation underscores Abu Dhabi’s determination to continue positioning itself as a key pillar of the U.S. administration’s aggressive foreign policy against the Islamic Republic.

Participation in an anti-Iran summit, the UAE a "key pillar" in policies 'against Iran?'

The UAE opposes Iran's meddling in Yemen. Knows it is their weaponry being used by Houthi Rebels in attacks on shipping and directly on Saudi Arabia. They have historically traded with Iran but do acknowledge and adhere to US sanctions, after all, the Gulf is stacked with US firepower, we can and do enforce sanctions.

https://insidearabia.com/trouble-brews-uae-iran/

[Peter1469]

Iran is an almost failed state. China is a pretend regional power that believes it is a global power.

[PJL]

Iran is an almost failed state. China is a pretend regional power that believes it is a global power.

The "almost failed state" , and the "pretend regional power" , is now the sole reason , focus and driver of US foreign policy...........think about that for a moment .

[Ransom]

The "almost failed state" , and the "pretend regional power" , is now the sole reason , focus and driver of US foreign policy...........think about that for a moment .

Exactly because we understand and realize the threats coming from both Iran and China. We are currently in a full blown cold war with China, we are currently the lead role preventing Iran from going nuclear and in defense of Israel.

[Peter1469]

The "almost failed state" , and the "pretend regional power" , is now the sole reason , focus and driver of US foreign policy...........think about that for a moment .

Why? That isn't true.

[Matt Dillon]

The "almost failed state" , and the "pretend regional power" , is now the sole reason , focus and driver of US foreign policy...........think about that for a moment .

As well it should be. What's your point?

[MMC]

Exactly because we understand and realize the threats coming from both Iran and China. We are currently in a full blown cold war with China, we are currently the lead role preventing Iran from going nuclear and in defense of Israel.

I doubt he knows the GCC united then told the UN they want an extension on the Iran Arms Embargo.

[PJL]

Exactly because we understand and realize the threats coming from both Iran and China. We are currently in a full blown cold war with China, we are currently the lead role preventing Iran from going nuclear and in defense of Israel.

I think you'll find that cold war AWOL after the election - regardless if his Orangeness wins or loses the coming election . It's just another stunt by the show pony.....but it may get him over the line (or not)

[PJL]

I doubt he knows the GCC united then told the UN they want an extension on the Iran Arms Embargo.

Geez , everyone's talkin about PJL......what is it about this guy ?...(lol) .......actually , GCC "asked" , they didn't "tell".....they're not the US..........we'll have to wait and see how that one goes.