How are the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East impacting security professionals and their clients?

The Middle East has a long history of geopolitical tensions, woven from conflicts, power struggles and strategic interest that cause ripples across the world. In more recent years, these tensions have intensified and are now affecting various sectors, including security professionals and their clients. These impacts are complicated and range from operational risks and cyber threats to challenges in corporate governance and compliance.

Operational Risks
From the civil wars in Syria and Yemen and the tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there is an increased need for security professionals to ensure the safety of their clients, their client’s assets and their own personnel in highly erratic environments. With the unpredictability of rocket attacks, military confrontations, and civil unrest, security professionals are required to have constant monitoring and rapid responses, increasing the pressure on security resources and requiring the need for more advanced security measures.

Cyber Security
Cyber-attacks are also becoming more frequent and are increasing tensions. These cyber threats make for an interesting complexity that security professionals much navigate when protecting clients and their digital assets requiring the need for specialised knowledge, continuous monitoring, and robust incident response plans to mitigate potential damage.

Corporate Governance and Compliance
Sanctions, trade restrictions, and regulations are constantly evolving in response to geopolitical developments and for security professionals, that means there is a need to navigate these situations delicately. An example of such is the reimposition of U.S. sanctions on Iran which has forced companies to reassess their supply chains, relationships and financial transactions to avoid legal ramifications.

Global Energy Sector
As the Middle East plays a central role in global energy production, the escalation of geopolitical tensions has much wider impacts and consequences on more than just this region. Whilst the 2019 drone attacks on Saudi Aramco’s facilities only temporarily halved the country’s oil output, it highlighted a vulnerability of the energy infrastructure. The resulting price shocks and supply chain disruptions reinforce the need for tough security measures to protect these assets.

Ongoing Tensions and Conflicts

Gaza
The ongoing conflict in Gaza is significant factor impacting security professionals and their clients. There is a demand for more measures to ensure safety and well-being and as violence escalates, security teams are increasingly tasked with coordinating the evacuation of clients from high-risk areas, requiring precise logistical planning and real-time intelligence. The unpredictability of airstrikes, rocket attacks, and ground operations further complicates these efforts, making swift and secure movement a critical challenge.

Iran and Israel
The rising tensions between Iran and Israel in Lebanon are also creating significant challenges as the volatile situation, marked by potential cross-border attacks and the involvement of Hezbollah also demands constant monitoring and contingency planning. Security teams are now focused on fortifying facilities, enhancing surveillance, and preparing for possible evacuations, all while managing the complexities of operating in a region where geopolitical alliances can rapidly shift.

Houthi rebels in the Red Sea
Maritime security risks in the Red Sea have continued to intensify due to Houthi rebels increasingly targeting commercial shipping. These attacks pose significant threats to vessels transiting the region and continue to disrupt global trade routes, leading security professionals to enhance protective measures for their clients. The heightened risk requires the implementation of advanced threat detection systems, rerouting of shipping lanes, and collaboration with naval forces to safeguard assets.
These various factors all demand a higher level of agility from security professionals plus the strategic importance of the region, particularly when it comes to the global energy sector, means that these ramifications aren’t just limited to the Middle East but in fact are global. Security professionals must therefore continue to adapt to meet the challenges posed by the everchanging geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

Sources
• The Washington Institute. (2020). “Security Dynamics in the Middle East: Implications for Global Energy Markets.” Available at: washingtoninstitute.org
• International Crisis Group. (2021). “The Middle East Between War and Peace: The Challenges for Global Security.” Available at: crisisgroup.org