The Blue War: Strategic & Maritime Ramifications of US-Israel-Iran War
Islamabad (GNP): National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) organized a roundtable conference titled “The Blue War: Strategic & Maritime Ramifications of US-Israel-Iran war” at NIMA. Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Former Chief of Naval Staff, while addressing the conference as Chief Guest opined that Pakistan, Saudia Arabia & Türkiye need to proactively collaborate in the diplomatic and security realms and take lead for defusing the crisis with active support by China and Russia. The efforts should be aimed at stopping Israel from pursuing its nefarious designs in the region.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Javaid Iqbal, President NIMA highlighted the importance of the conference in light of rapidly evolving dynamics to inform policy makers. He underscored the importance of informed policy dialogue on maritime security, economic stability amidst the shifting geopolitical landscape.
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, keynote speaker, underscored the shifting global order and the need for strategic foresight in navigating emerging geopolitical realities. Vice Admiral Khan Hasham Bin Siddique, Advocate Ahmer Bilal Soofi, Syed Muhammad Ali, Dr. Qamar Cheema, Adnan Younis Lodhi and Dr. Hassan Daud Butt also spoke on the occasion.
The discussions highlighted the conflict’s shift from a regional crisis to a global systemic disruption, underscoring the strategic importance of maritime chokepoints, its wide-ranging economic impacts, challenges to rules-based order & freedom of navigation, Pakistan’s evolving geopolitical position and the emerging potential of its ports as alternative transshipment hubs.
It was highlighted that rapidly evolving US–Israel–Iran conflict and blockage of the strategic Strait of Hormuz has caused significant disturbance to global supply chains with far‑reaching economic consequences. Pakistan’s proactive role in safeguarding maritime interests and trade was highlighted.
The conference concluded on the note that Pakistan may take tangible actions to address emerging challenges. Participants appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic stance amid the crisis while safeguarding national interests. The Conference was well-attended by diplomats, defense analysts, security experts, academia, research faculty and students.
