Afkār is a publication of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, providing short-form analyses, insights, and perspectives on regional issues and developments from the Council's experts and outside contributors. Afkār is published in English and Arabic, and is edited by Omar H. Rahman.
Iran’s efforts to turn its wartime control of the Strait of Hormuz into lasting authority over maritime access could fundamentally reshape the Gulf’s balance of power. Whether Tehran uses that leverage to secure itself or dominate its neighbors may offer the clearest indication yet of its true regional ambitions.
A swift American strike is unlikely to end the conflict with Iran. Military superiority does not necessarily translate into political victory—indeed, any new attack could simply trigger another round of escalation.
Iranian threats to data centers and undersea cables imperil the digital infrastructure underpinning the Gulf states’ economic diversification. Addressing this requires a collaborative Gulf approach that integrates security efforts, diplomatic initiatives and strategic investment planning.