Hormuz: New Alliances

The US-led reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following Iranian closure and subsequent airstrikes has inadvertently strengthened adversaries like Russia and China while reshaping energy partnerships in Asia. US allies, including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines, are independently seeking energy sources, bypassing US influence and relying on deals with Iran and Russia. This shift exposes a weakness in US security guarantees and is prompting Asian nations to diversify their energy supply. While the US initially sought to lead, the crisis has highlighted the need for greater regional collaboration and resilience, with countries like the Philippines buying Russian oil and Japan releasing emergency reserves. The situation is creating tensions within the US-Asia alliance, particularly regarding Russian oil access, and presents a strategic dilemma for the US administration regarding sanctions waivers. China is strategically positioned to become Asia’s primary energy anchor, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.