China-Iran strategic partnership and the future of US hegemony in the Persian Gulf Region.

International power is under profound transition, marked by a move towards deep pluralism in the international system whereby a range of middle powers have begun to stake a greater claim to regional power. This shift is escalating the power struggle between the United States and China. Both Beijing and Tehran share a strategic plan to undermine US global hegemony, and both have encountered tensions, sanctions, and pressures originating from Washington. A relatively strong and independent Iran in the Persian Gulf would help China not only to ensure its interests in the region, but also to guarantee its energy security and embed its footprint in the Middle East. Consequently, in the age of relative decline of United States' power, and the rise of regional powers, the Sino-Iranian strategic partnership is changing the Middle East's security architecture. Iran's look East and China's march West strategic visions will meet in the Persian Gulf region. As such, this article seeks to explore such confluence, and its implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]