BLUF: Allies and Partners

If there’s one thing we’ve been able to see in Operation Epic Fury – besides the pure might of the American Joint Force – it's the power of alliances. 

Since the beginning of the conflict, the Gulf states have played an important role, shooting down Shaheds and intercepting missiles. Iran, on the other hand, has been, at least in the public arena, left out to dry by its allies and partners. 

Beijing – Tehran’s most important partner – has labeled the conflict as "unacceptable,” yet won’t come to its aid. At the same time, China’s tying up its own loose ends going as far to say it doesn’t agree with Iran’s indiscriminate strikes across the Middle East. Moscow, Iran’s other hope, has been a little more supportive of Tehran – allegedly sharing intelligence for counterattacks but remaining noncommittal to any physical support. It goes to show that picking these two as your best friends might not be the greatest decision, especially when you’re in a real fight.

The conflict simultaneously highlights the value of America’s alliances around the globe. Take the United Kingdom and France: although initially hesitant, both nations have committed to sending their own naval flotillas to the Mediterranean to support the collective defense of the region. This, along with unwavering support from the Gulf network of interceptor defense missiles, shows the strategic value of relationship building.

Looking ahead, as Iran’s offensive capabilities dwindle, the role our allies will play in this fight grows even more important. Building a more stable Middle East requires sustained effort to develop and maintain productive relations. Operation Epic Fury may end up demonstrating that the region has the potential to get along after all. 

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