The United States and its allies in the Middle East have a vested interest in fostering stability, security, and prosperity through enhanced cooperation. The United States-Middle East Cooperative Zone (USMCZ – Middle East) is a visionary proposal to create a multi-faceted corridor that integrates energy, trade, and infrastructure, connecting the Arab Peninsula’s vast energy resources with Europe’s industrial might. By bypassing traditional chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al-Mandab, and the Suez Canal, the USMCZ – Middle East will eliminate critical vulnerabilities, reduce energy trade risks, and establish a new era of economic and geopolitical cooperation.

Strategic Parameters of the USMCZ – Middle East

The USMCZ – Middle East will be a transformative corridor integrating pipelines, highways, and rail infrastructure. It will connect the energy-rich nations of the Arab Peninsula with European markets while fostering regional stability. This project will emphasize:

1. Energy Pipelines for Oil and LNG:

• A robust pipeline network will stretch from the Arab Peninsula’s production centers to export terminals in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.

• By bypassing chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, this corridor will mitigate risks posed by adversarial actors, particularly Iran and its proxies.

• This will secure uninterrupted energy flow to Europe, reducing reliance on Russian energy and countering its economic and political leverage.

2. Trade and Transit Infrastructure:

• The corridor will include modern highways, railways, and logistical hubs to facilitate trade and movement of goods.

• These links will shorten transit times, reduce costs, and open new markets for Middle Eastern and European products.

3. Collaborative Governance:

• The USMCZ – Middle East will be governed by a cooperative framework involving the United States, Middle Eastern producers, and European consumers.

• This shared governance model will ensure mutual accountability, fair transit fees, and equitable distribution of benefits.

Bypassing Chokepoints to Strengthen Security

Historically, energy trade has been vulnerable to disruptions at critical chokepoints such as:

• The Strait of Hormuz, dominated by Iranian influence.

• The Bab al-Mandab, a frequent site of piracy and geopolitical tension.

• The Suez Canal, which is costly and subject to delays.

The USMCZ – Middle East will eliminate these vulnerabilities by establishing a secure, multi-streamed energy corridor. This corridor will include:

• Deep underground pipelines shielded from sabotage and natural disasters.

• Integrated monitoring systems using advanced technology to detect and prevent breaches.

• Support from allied military forces to secure key points along the route.

This approach will cripple Iran’s ability to disrupt global energy supplies, weakening its proxies and diminishing its influence across the region. By ensuring reliable and efficient energy delivery, the USMCZ will enhance global energy security while fostering stability.

Economic Benefits and Regional Cooperation

The economic potential of the USMCZ – Middle East is immense:

1. Cost Savings:

• Bypassing chokepoints will save days of transit time, reducing shipping costs and enhancing efficiency.

• With tanker rates exceeding $100,000 per day, shorter routes will provide significant savings to producers and consumers alike.

2. Economic Growth:

• Transit fees for pipelines and infrastructure will generate substantial revenue for participating nations.

• Investment in infrastructure and energy projects will create jobs and stimulate local economies.

3. Geopolitical Stability:

• By integrating the economies of the Arab Peninsula and Europe, the USMCZ – Middle East will foster interdependence, reducing the likelihood of conflicts.

• This initiative will align with shared values of prosperity, human dignity, and the rule of law, promoting a more stable and cooperative region.

A Revival of the Alliance for Progress

The USMCZ – Middle East draws inspiration from President John F. Kennedy’s Alliance for Progress, which sought to unite the Western Hemisphere through shared goals of prosperity and stability. Similarly, this initiative envisions a grand alliance that leverages free-market principles, private property rights, and robust trade to foster growth and cooperation.

The vision for the USMCZ – Middle East is one of shared values and mutual benefit. By connecting the energy wealth of the Arab Peninsula with Europe’s industrial capacity, this initiative will:

• Counter the influence of adversarial powers such as Russia and Iran.

• Promote energy independence and economic growth.

• Secure the prosperity of allied nations for generations to come.

A Call to Action

The United States and its allies must seize this opportunity to advance the USMCZ – Middle East. By building on the principles of cooperation and mutual benefit, this initiative will create a corridor of prosperity and security that reshapes the region’s geopolitical and economic landscape.

Dave Wallace

President, FAIR Energy Foundation

This model adapts the core principles of the USMCZ (Mexico) to the Middle East, emphasizing energy security, trade, and cooperation. It aligns with the broader goals of fostering stability and prosperity while addressing the unique challenges of the region.