The New Geopolitics of the Middle East: Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey & the Decline of U.S. Influence

The New Geopolitics of the Middle East: Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey & the Decline of U.S. InfluenceThe Middle East is undergoing a major geopolitical transformation as regional powers seek greater strategic independence and new security arrangements. In this analysis, Glenn Diesen and Trita Parsi examine a potential maritime agreement between Iran and Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, which could challenge the traditional dominance of U.S. naval power in one of the world’s most important strategic waterways.The discussion also explores the emergence of closer security cooperation between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, signaling a possible shift toward alternative regional defense structures beyond the traditional American security umbrella. As Washington’s influence becomes less predictable, Middle Eastern powers are increasingly pursuing policies designed to protect their own strategic and economic interests.The conversation further examines the dangerous possibility of the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts becoming interconnected through evolving alliances and geopolitical partnerships. From the Strait of Hormuz to new defense agreements, the region is entering an era of competing power centers, shifting alliances, and a rapidly changing global security architecture.Topics covered: Middle East geopolitics, Iran, Oman, Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, U.S. influence, regional security, Ukraine war, emerging alliances, American foreign policy, multipolar world, global geopolitics.#MiddleEast #Geopolitics #Iran #Oman #SaudiArabia #Turkey #Pakistan #StraitOfHormuz #USForeignPolicy #UkraineWar #GlobalSecurity #MultipolarWorld #InternationalRelations #Geopolitics2026