In a new episode of 'From Washington,' American writer Thomas Friedman addressed the major transformations that the war with Iran has imposed on the global security system. He emphasized that this war has demonstrated how smaller actors can disrupt major powers using simple and low-cost tools, such as drones and digital technologies.
Friedman pointed out that Iran, through its threats to the Strait of Hormuz—a vital artery for global energy imports—has managed to disrupt about 20% of these imports, leading to confusion in American calculations. He considered this asymmetric relationship as a reflection of the power of smaller actors in the face of major powers.
Details of the Event
Friedman clarified that the administration of former President Donald Trump faced difficulties in addressing this dilemma, suggesting that the best scenario for Washington would be to reach a ceasefire that allows Iran to retain part of its nuclear program in exchange for easing sanctions. He added that the world is moving toward a phase of 'digital geography,' where the ability to disrupt infrastructure and economies becomes more important than traditional military superiority.
Friedman also criticized Trump's approach to international alliances, noting that the administration relies on transactions rather than believing in alliances, which does not align with the changes occurring in the digital world.
Background & Context
In this context, retired General Wesley Clark stated that European allies were not previously aware of Trump's plans regarding the war with Iran, indicating that NATO countries cannot respond quickly to U.S. requests due to the nature of democratic systems and the need for internal mandates before engaging in wars.
American researcher Charles Caption pointed out that the crisis of trust between Europe and Washington stems from previous accumulations, including tariffs and discussions about withdrawing from NATO. He confirmed that Europeans have begun to question Trump's motives, raising concerns about the possibility of maintaining trust in the U.S. as a long-term ally.
Impact & Consequences
Regarding the Gulf, Dr. Khaled Al-Jaber, the Director General of the Middle East Council for International Affairs, confirmed that the war with Iran has imposed a new reality on the concept of regional security. He explained that Gulf countries now see security and defense as top priorities in the upcoming phase.
Al-Jaber warned that the ongoing threats in the Strait of Hormuz could lead the region into a state of 'neither peace nor war,' noting that Iran's ability to produce missiles and drones will keep risks alive even after any potential agreement.
Regional Significance
Former U.S. official Melissa Tofanyan emphasized that the war with Iran has damaged the image of the United States among its allies, which may prompt many countries in the region to reconsider the nature of their alliances with Washington. She confirmed that U.S. allies will face a deficit of trust towards future American administrations, requiring a long time to rebuild strategic and diplomatic relations.
In conclusion, it seems that the geopolitical transformations resulting from the war with Iran will significantly impact international relations, necessitating major powers to reassess their strategies in dealing with smaller actors on the global stage.