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PAKISTAN – IRAN LAND TRANSIT ROUTES. IS THIS THE END OF U.S. DOMINANCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST?

           On April 13, 2026, the online publication Intellinews Eurasia announced the opening of a terrestrial trade corridor between Pakistan and Central Asian states, via Iran[1]. On April 26, the media published the Pakistani government's announcement regarding the opening of six land transit routes between Pakistan and Iran for the delivery of Iran-bound goods from third countries, thereby bypassing the blockade imposed in the Gulf of Oman by the US Navy[2]. Could these routes be used by Iran for exports, thereby bypassing the blockade? We cannot know. Technically speaking, it is possible. Even if we strictly refer to goods destined for Iran transiting Pakistani territory, this fact can be considered assistance to this state and a defiance of the US. In fact, an American security expert has already flagged the issue to the President of the United States[3].

          It is important to know that Pakistan is (or perhaps was) a key US ally. The massive aid provided to insurgent movements in Afghanistan fighting against Soviet forces and the pro-Soviet government between 1980 and 1988 was delivered through Pakistan. The USSR's losses in that war, which contributed significantly to its economic degradation and, ultimately, to the dismantling of the state, were largely due to Pakistan. This was achieved not only by allowing the transit of weapons, military equipment, and insurgent fighters through its territory but also by establishing military camps for training the Afghan opposition, providing military bases to US intelligence services, gathering intelligence, and executing undercover operations in Afghanistan by Pakistani special services, among other activities. On the other hand, the US not only allowed but also provided consistent support to Pakistan in the production of nuclear weapons[4]. All of this demonstrates a close relationship between the two countries, rooted in strategic interests.

          Currently, the Pakistani government is helping Iran evade the US naval blockade. This may be of greater or lesser significance, but the act itself demonstrates that Pakistan is gradually distancing itself from its relationship with the US. Moreover, the Pakistanis are well aware of what is happening in the Middle East, what US forces have managed to achieve against Iran, the situation in Iran following the American-Israeli air campaign, and what the prospects are there. There is no other explanation than that Pakistan's action serves as a concrete indicator of the end of US dominance in the region.


[1] “Update: Pakistan launches Iran transit corridor with first shipment to Central Asia”, Intellinews Eurasia, accessed May 4, 2026, https://www.intellinews.com/update-pakistan-launches-iran-transit-corridor-with-first-shipment-to-central-asia-436946/.

[4] “U.S. and China Helped Pakistan Build Its Bomb”, The New York Times (online archive), accessed May 4, 2026, https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/library/world/asia/060198pakistan-nuke-history.html.


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