The ongoing war between Israel and Iran is often framed through security, military, and ideological lenses. Even though these factors are important to explicate the dynamics of conflict, a closer examination reveals that the economic perspective, strategic trade routes, supply chain management, leadership-driven policies, and regional integration are equally pertinent to understanding the far-reaching geopolitical implications of the Israel-Iran conflict. Revisiting the conflict through these interconnected variables provides a holistic view in order to understand the consequences for West Asia and the global economy.

The dynamics of contemporary geopolitics focus on the symbiotic relationship between security and the economy. The region of West Asia possesses abundant reserves of hydrocarbons that have continuously reshaped international strategic calculations since the end of the Second World War. Although Israel is not a major oil-producing country, it has emerged as a pivotal player in the energy sector through the discovery of natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean. Developments in the exploration of natural resources have increased the strategic cost of armed conflict, which adversely impacts maritime resources, economic corridors and investments.

The economic dimension becomes more important when considering the strategic value of the Strait of Hormuz. Geography rules the destiny of the West Asian region. This narrow maritime passage facilitates the movement of a substantial proportion of liquefied natural gas and global oil supplies. As a critical energy........

© The Nation