Over the past decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has played a significant role in intensifying great power geopolitical competition and contributing to regional instability. From the historical rivalry between Britain and Russia in past centuries to China’s entry into Eurasian energy dynamics over the past thirty years, Iran has consistently been a key node in global energy politics. Within this framework, Iran’s energy policies and oil exports have had not only economic consequences but also broad political and security implications, creating serious pressures and strategic challenges for the West and undermining regional stability.

The 2026 Energy Shock and Global Controversy

In March 2026, as oil prices surpassed $100 per barrel following U.S.-led military operations against Iran, a heated global debate emerged. The central question was whether the costs of this situation, including higher fuel prices, inflationary pressures, and disruptions in global supply chains, were justified.

Many mainstream media outlets described the conflict as a dangerous adventure that had triggered the most severe energy shock the world had seen since the 2010s. From this perspective, rising energy prices were seen as a sign of diplomatic failure and the onset of a new era of instability.

However, a more pragmatic and strategic assessment presents a different picture. The military engagement authorized by President Donald Trump, according to some analysts, was not only defensible but also a preventive measure against larger crises. Had the United States not acted decisively in the Middle East, the course of the war in Ukraine, China’s strategic calculations regarding Taiwan, and even global stability could have shifted........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)