Geopolitical and Economic Interests of the U.S.
The U.S. maintains a military presence in this Gulf country, home to the Al Udeid Air Base, to protect energy exports.
Qatar
In 2015, the U.S. signed this agreement with Iran aimed at preventing nuclear weapon development in exchange for sanctions relief
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
This term describes the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between major powers, such as the U.S., China, and Russia, in regions like the Middle East and Central Asia
Strategic Competion/Great Power Competition
The country where Russia maintains military bases in Tartus and Latakia, solidifying its foothold in the Middle East
Syria
These priorities describe what country
Regional leadership and countering Iranian influence
Economic diversification (Vision 2030) and energy dominance
Security cooperation with the U.S. and Western allies
Stabilizing oil markets via OPEC+
Saudi Arabia
This international alliance, led by Saudi Arabia and Gulf states, seeks to stabilize global oil markets and competes with the U.S. in energy production
OPEC
The U.S. seeks to prevent this Middle Eastern country from acquiring nuclear weapons, fearing it would destabilize the region
Iran
The U.S. aims to limit China’s influence in global trade by challenging this trillion-dollar infrastructure project spanning Asia, Africa, and Europe
Belt and Road Initiative(B&R)
This strategic waterway is frequently threatened by Iranian naval activity, impacting global oil shipments.
Strait of Hormuz
These priorities describe what country
Expanding regional influence through proxies (Hezbollah, Houthis, Iraqi militias)
Countering U.S. and Israeli military presence in the region
Easing economic sanctions and increasing trade with China/Russia
Strengthening nuclear program for leverage in negotiations
Iran
The U.S. has sold billions in military equipment to this Middle Eastern country, its #1 customer for defense exports.
Saudi Arabia
This U.S. Campaign has prioritized counterterrorism operations in countries like Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan to prevent the resurgence of groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda.
Global War on Terror
This strategic doctrine prioritizes deterrence and "integrated deterrence" to counter China and Russia's influence
National Defense Strategy(NDS)
This Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon poses a major threat to Israel
Hezbollah
These priorities describe what country
Security and defense against Iran and Hezbollah
Expanding diplomatic normalization (Abraham Accords)
Countering Palestinian militant groups (Hamas, PIJ)
U.S. military and economic partnership
Israel
The U.S. encourages this trade route through the Caspian Sea, offering an alternative to Russia and China.
The Middle Corridor
This U.S. military operation was aimed at countering ISIS in Iraq and Syria after the group's rise in 2014
Operation Inherent Resolve
The U.S. and allies fear that China’s dominance in AI and quantum computing could undermine global security through this form of modern warfare
Information Warfare
This Iranian-backed militia group in Yemen has targeted Saudi Arabia and U.S. interests in the region
Houthis
These priorities describe what country
Balancing ties with Iran, the U.S., and Gulf states
Economic reconstruction and energy development
Reducing sectarian conflicts and stabilizing government
Countering ISIS resurgence
Iraq
The U.S. wants to reduce dependency on Russia by supporting natural gas exports from this former Soviet republic
Turkmenistan
This U.S. policy aims to limit Iran’s nuclear development by imposing economic restrictions on the country, and it plays a key role in shaping U.S. relations in CENTCOM
Sanctions
In response to growing Chinese and Russian influence, the U.S. has increased diplomatic, military, and economic engagement with these former Soviet States
Central Asain States: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
All of these are reasons for on going tensions in the CENTCOM AOR except
Religious Divides
Proxy Conflicts
Political Instability/corruption
Too much rain
lack of economic oppurtunity
Terrorism
Too much rain (all of the other options can attribute to the long running tensions in the CENTCOM AOR)
These priorities describe what country
Taliban seeking international recognition and legitimacy
Economic recovery and infrastructure development
Preventing ISIS-K insurgency threats
Afghanistan