Memorandum
- TO: Dr. Jane Doe, President, and Commission for Economic Sustainability
- FROM: Name, Analyst
- DATE: 7th October
- RE: The Protection of the Maritime Borders of the UAE with Iran
Subject
No other waterway in the world is more vital to the trade of natural gas and oil that the Persian Gulf, especially at the Strait of Hormuz. Unfortunately, unlike in other regions, gas is the major economic resource in the seven nations bordering the gulf, thus exposing the area to conflicts that may escalate into crises. Nevertheless, Iran remains a formidable threat to other Gulf Arab nations despite several years of signing treaties and peace deals. However, this memorandum purports that the tension in the area is due to the inappropriate adoption of maritime security measures. Instead of facilitating peace and collaboration, the present security structure is designed to be defensive, resulting in more insecurity since members do not feel safe within their borders and in the waters. Over the years, Iran has posed a substantial threat to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and nations along the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, and The Red Sea due to the lucrative oil and natural gas resources found in the area. However, the UAE’s maritime landscape experiences more risk due to its proximity to Iran and the longstanding conflict between the two nations.
The gulf area has served as a theater for conflicts and battle since 1980, with the help of the US and the European Union to de-escalate issues (Ardemagni, 2018). However, the most recent tension to spark in the area was unprecedented since no country openly associates with these attacks or takes responsibility for the destruction. Attacks along the maritime Gulf area are characterized by seizures, holding captives, sinking vessels, and looting. Nevertheless, most nations hold that Iran is responsible for the high levels of insecurity along the maritime coast due to its position as a powerful nation and an aggressor (Michnik, 2021). Nevertheless, the region is largely unsafe because of inappropriate security measures along the coasts and in the waters, allowing bandits, pirates, and other forces to take advantage of ships traversing the area. As a result, the recommended solution involves a collective security framework instead of a defensive approach to enhance safety along the maritime borders of the UAE with Iran. A collective security strategy leverages the resources of Iran, the UAE, and other nations bordering the gulf. Hence, instead of threatening each other’s safety, these nations will work together to keep out insurgents and external forces.
Current Status
Iran’s tension with the Arab states along the Gulf has persisted for more than 50 years and is rooted in various interrelated issues. Nevertheless, the disputed ownership of three islands found along the gulf is one of the main reasons for increased conflicts in the area. Moreover, Britain’s withdrawal from the Gulf and the independence of these countries created a lot of friction between these nations and the Iranian government (Michnik, 2021). However, the increased insecurity in the maritime region bordering the UAE and Iran is attributed to presumed attacks by Iran on its neighboring countries especially the UAE, who retaliate by attacking Iranian ships and holding captives. Currently, the UAE is a high-risk area for missile and drone attacks from the Houthi forces in Yemen, thus escalating conflict in the area (Bueger & Stockbruegger, 2022). Given the high levels of tension, the maritime region bordering the area has become a hub of criminal activity and assault, which impacts all the countries dependent on oil resources. Thus, as the regional security director in the gulf region under UAE’s jurisdiction, it is my role to develop practical solutions to enhance maritime security and spearhead positive development in the region.
Available Options
The maritime security solutions adopted by Iran and UAE’s security personnel are ineffective because they pit military forces against each other and allow blaming one another for issues. Maritime safety is critical to the development of Iran, the UAE, and other nations bordering the gulf region. Therefore, designing a comprehensive and collaborative security plan to tackle associated problems is the ultimate solution to eliminating threats (Ardemagni, 2018). The ratified strategies are defensive since they fortify military personnel to protect their nations’ maritime borders, thus portraying others as adversaries. For example, the UAE has completed several underground oil transfer and storage facilities to facilitate its contingency measures and limit the transportation of products using the gulf routes. However, as long as there is tension in the area, there are numerous risks of loss and conflict. Thus, the proposed strategy involves collaborative efforts between both parties and other nations along the gulf area toward enhancing security (Bueger & Stockbruegger, 2022). When these nations are pitched against each other, they allow criminals to carry out atrocities and blame it on the ongoing conflicts. However, collaboration can put these nations in a better position as they will be able to identify those responsible for misdemeanors and apprehend them.
Proposal and Rationale for the Recommendation
Collective security involves addressing maritime issues as a unit brought together by similar ambitions and objectives instead of the current strategy where all countries are invested in their interests. Therefore, collaborating to secure the gulf and maritime borders of UAE and Iran will yield more fruits compared to everyone fighting for a piece of the region (Michnik, 2021). In particular, collective security measures will reduce the resources used to ensure the safety of individuals and goods in the waters. Moreover, it will allow appointed military personnel to easily identify proprietors of criminal activities and limit their activities through better organization and communication (Bueger & Stockbruegger, 2022). In addition, the collaboration will facilitate peaceful co-existence between Iranians and shareholders in the UAE and, in turn, foster positive economic relations to facilitate development. Thus, governments and security personnel should design a plan that allows working together to ensure maritime security in the area.
Future Issues
The Persian Gulf is one of the most lucrative oil and energy resources in the Middle East, allowing it to become a target for competing forces and nations seeking to manipulate these oil banks. In particular, Iran is strongly opposed by other nations bordering the region due to its use of force and aggression to control most parts of the area (Michnik, 2021). Thus, persuading the UAE and other countries to collaborate could be challenging, especially if they are in conflict. In addition, collaboration is difficult when nations do not acknowledge their roles in proposed initiatives or deliver as required. Hence, the collective security approach might not meet its objectives if all initiatives are not streamlined toward similar outcomes. Moreover, although the gulf region and the border between Iran and the UAE is a hub of economic development, governments might not be willing to provide resources to enhance military capabilities and secure the region from pirates and outside forces (Bueger & Stockbruegger, 2022). As a result, the governments of Iran and the UAE should acknowledge that the maritime security of one nation is the concern of all other nations. Subsequently, they will be more willing to provide resources to advance collective security and improve the safety of vessels traversing the area.
References
Ardemagni, E. (2018). Gulf Powers: Maritime Rivalry in the Western Indian Ocean.ISPI Analysis, (321). Web.
Bueger, C., & Stockbruegger, J. (2022). Maritime security and the Western Indian Ocean’s militarisation dilemma.African Security Review, 1-16. Web.
Michnik, W. (2021). Great power rivalry in the Middle East. Expert Comment, (7). Web.