Iran war teaches importance of Gulf cooperation with Europe for maritime security, ISPI says

What Happened

On Wednesday, the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) and the Gulf Research Center released a joint report urging European and Gulf states to enhance maritime security cooperation in response to disruptions attributed to Iran and its proxies. The report specifically cites Iran’s attacks on Gulf nations and the 'Iran war in the Strait of Hormuz,' alongside Houthi strikes in the Red Sea, which have raised insurance costs, shipping delays, and cargo disruptions affecting Europe. The report proposes establishing a permanent maritime coordination framework to connect naval forces, coast guards, port authorities, customs agencies, and commercial shipping operators, aiming to improve domain awareness, accelerate information-sharing, strengthen counter-drone and counter-mine preparedness, and maintain the flow of strategic goods during crises. It also recommends precautionary technologies like jamming and drone detection for commercial vessels, including LNG tankers.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The report underscores the direct link between Gulf maritime stability and European economic security. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea shipping lanes have global repercussions, impacting oil prices and supply chains. By framing Iran's military and proxy activities as systemic hybrid threats to critical infrastructure, the recommendations signal a potential strategic shift toward institutionalized EU-GCC defense collaboration, extending beyond ad hoc military responses to long-term resilience planning.

Watch For

Whether the proposed permanent EU-GCC ministerial-level forum is formally endorsed in upcoming diplomatic meetings; any concrete steps under the EU’s Readiness 2030 initiative to fund joint Gulf-European defense projects; and whether the recommended counter-drone and maritime coordination framework progresses to pilot exercises between European navies and GCC coast guards.