Pakistan, May 13 -- When the United States entered into direct military confrontation with Iran in late February 2026, it did so with full knowledge that the battlefield would not be North America, nor would the economic shock primarily devastate the American mainland. The war theatre would be the Gulf itself-the territory, airspace, ports, oil routes, and infrastructure of America's Arab allies. More importantly, much of the financial burden associated with maintaining this military architecture would ultimately be absorbed by the Gulf states hosting the very bases used to project American power.

From the outset, Washington mobilised an enormous military machine across the region. Carrier Strike Groups 3 and 12 were moved into operation...