In West Asia, a significant change is underway that may receive less attention: geography is changing its function against the dominant power. The U.S. regime has built much of its superiority in this region over the past few decades on a network of bases, airports, ports, and command centers. This network, extending from Bahrain and Qatar to Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, allows the U.S. to respond to any crisis with speed and efficiency. However, the ongoing war in this region raises a key question: has this expansion increased the number of vulnerable points for the U.S.?
Geography's Rebellion Against Bases
An analysis from a reputable think tank in the U.S. explicitly mentions a "geographical problem" in the pattern of American base deployment. With the increase in Iranian attacks on American bases, these centers have become targets for assaults. Thus, a power that requires deployment in the geography of others inevitably accepts the vulnerability of that very geography. This point gives rise to a new concept known as "geography's rebellion against bases," meaning that the surrounding environment of the bases gradually becomes a costly space for presence.
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The End of Secure Geography
The U.S. security architecture in this region is based on the assumption that the geographical distance of the U.S. from the region is compensated by the advanced deployment of forces and bases. However, technological developments, especially in missile and drone technology, have changed this equation. The distance between American bases and Iranian territory is no longer as simple as it was two decades ago. In other words, the issue is not just "Iran versus American bases," but rather a set of geographical points that can connect to each other and increase the costs of foreign power presence.
Recent reports about attacks on American facilities and bases indicate that the battlefield is expanding around the very infrastructures that were supposed to provide Washington's strategic depth. In such circumstances, bases no longer act as "power platforms" but rather become "security commitments" that require more resources to maintain.
The Strait of Hormuz; Geography as Power
A prominent example of this "geographical rebellion" is the Strait of Hormuz, which is recognized not only as an important trade route but can also have wide-ranging impacts on economic decisions. According to data, the number of ships passing through Hormuz has significantly decreased. This disruption can lead to rising global energy prices and serious concerns in global markets. This indicates that geography is not merely a natural limitation but can become a tool for imposing costs.
The crucial point for Washington is that the issue is not just an attack on one base, but the increasing costs of maintaining the entire network. Each attack on a base necessitates greater defense and changes in military strategies. Thus, while U.S. military power remains intact, its economic and operational efficiency is declining.
Iran and the Transformation of Geography into Leverage
These developments are seen as a strategic opportunity for Iran, an opportunity that can turn into national benefit, provided it is accompanied by precise calculations. With its exceptional geographical position and diverse military capabilities, Iran can have a significant impact on regional developments. In this context, recent developments indicate that the scope of the battlefield has extended beyond Iran and can expand to various strategic points.
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