US–Iran war has impacted the Indo-Pacific region

2026-03-14 - 14:02

Sernur Yassıkaya / Foreign News Editor of Yeni Şafak The military operation initiated by US President Donald Trump against Iran has triggered debate in Washington over the long-term consequences for American global strategy. While the United States had planned to concentrate its military and political resources in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China, the conflict with Iran has forced a sudden shift back toward the Middle East. The campaign, launched alongside Israel on February 28, has significantly disrupted that strategic transition. US forces redirected to the Middle East For the first time since the 2003 Iraq invasion, Washington has redeployed more than 50,000 troops to the Middle East. Several aircraft carriers and naval assets previously assigned to the Pacific have been moved to the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. Analysts say this redeployment could weaken the US military posture designed to balance China in the Indo-Pacific. Tehran’s warnings that it could escalate tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and disrupt global oil supplies have increased the likelihood that American forces will remain in the region for an extended period. Pressure on naval munitions stockpiles The war is also placing strain on US military resources. According to sources cited by Financial Times, the early phase of the campaign required extensive use of long-range precision weapons. Estimates from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) suggest that US forces fired roughly 168 Tomahawk cruise missiles during the first 100 hours of the operation. Officials say replenishing such high-value munitions may take years, raising concerns that prolonged conflict could affect the US Navy’s operational readiness elsewhere. THAAD redeployment raises concerns in Asia Reports that Washington has begun transferring High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems from South Korea to the Middle East have sparked debate among US allies in the Indo-Pacific. The deployment of THAAD in South Korea previously triggered a severe diplomatic dispute with China, including economic retaliation against South Korean companies. The possibility that these systems are being moved again has raised questions in Seoul and other regional capitals about the reliability of US security guarantees. Regional allies reassess security risks The vulnerability of US bases in Gulf countries during the Iran conflict has also sent signals across the Indo-Pacific. Observers note that countries such as China and North Korea are closely monitoring Washington’s military commitments in the Middle East. Chinese commercial satellite firms have reportedly been publishing daily tracking data on US naval and air force movements, highlighting the transparency of modern military deployments. Some analysts argue that Indo-Pacific allies may begin pursuing more balanced diplomatic strategies between Washington and Beijing if confidence in US protection declines. Energy shock boosts Russian revenues The conflict’s economic impact is also reshaping global energy markets. Concerns over disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have pushed prices higher. In response to the risk of an energy shortage, the US administration has allowed limited shipments of Russian oil previously restricted by sanctions to reach global markets. Analysts estimate that the decision could release around 130 million barrels of Russian crude, potentially providing Moscow with billions of dollars in additional revenue as prices rise. Trump’s China visit under pressure President Trump is expected to visit China between March 31 and April 2. However, analysts believe ongoing instability around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz could weaken Washington’s negotiating position with Beijing, particularly on trade and regional security issues. Pentagon prepares additional deployment Meanwhile, the US Department of Defense is reportedly preparing to send an additional amphibious ready group and about 5,000 Marines to the Middle East. According to US officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, the deployment was requested by US Central Command (CENTCOM) as Iran increases its activities near the Strait of Hormuz. The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, currently based in Japan, is said to be moving toward the region along with its Marine expeditionary unit.