The first ever naval exercise involving the United States, Israel, and two Gulf countries – the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain – has commenced in the Red Sea. This public acknowledgment of military cooperation represents a significant shift in regional dynamics. This article will further provide insight regarding this crucial development.
First Multilateral Maritime Security Operations in Red Sea
The naval exercise, which includes forces from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Israel and the United States Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), is focused on maritime security operations. This event marks a historic moment, being the first publicly recognized joint naval exercise involving the US, Israel, and the two Gulf countries.
Context: The Abraham Accords
In 2020, the UAE and Bahrain initiated normalized diplomatic relations with Israel under a US-backed deal known as the Abraham Accords. These accords were born out of shared concerns regarding Iran and anticipated economic benefits.
The Role of the US 5th Fleet/NAVCENT
The US 5th Fleet/NAVCENT, based in Bahrain, operates in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and specific segments of the Indian Ocean. It plays a central role in maintaining maritime security in this vast region.
The Shadow War
Since February 2021, Israel and Iran have reportedly engaged in a ‘shadow war’, involving attacks on vessels linked to both nations in the waters surrounding the Gulf. The ongoing war further emphasizes the importance of developing and enhancing maritime security operations.
The Impending Iran Nuclear Deal Negotiations
P5+1 (a group of six world powers negotiating with Iran) are slated to resume discussions over a 2015 nuclear deal in Vienna on 29th November 2021. The potential failure of these talks could lead to a dramatic upswing in regional tensions.
Purpose of the Red Sea Exercise
The five-day exercise in the Red Sea aims to bolster interoperability between the participating forces. The maritime collaboration ensures the safeguarding of navigation freedom and promotes the free flow of trade, both of which are crucial to regional security and stability. The exercises include boarding, search, and seizure training onboard the USS Portland, an amphibious transport dock ship.
The Strategic Importance of the Red Sea
The Red Sea is a semi-enclosed tropical basin, bordered by northeastern Africa on the west, and the Arabian Peninsula on the east. This elongated and narrow-shaped basin separates into the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez at its northern end and connects to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal. Its southern end links to the Gulf of Aden, and the outer Indian Ocean via the Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb. Six countries – Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti – border the Red Sea, making it a significant geostrategic location.
This multilateral maritime security operations exercise represents a landmark in the security landscape in the region, highlighting how old rivalries can be set aside in the face of shared concerns.