Tension in the Middle East is entering a new and more dangerous phase. The 12-day confrontation between the US, Israel, and Iran has escalated to a completely different level after recent events. The processes unfolding in the region are no longer limited to military confrontation alone. What is happening now is being assessed as a global economic threat.
In recent days, Iran has been subjected to strikes with modern technological weapons. A life-or-death moment has begun for Tehran. Therefore, this country is taking tougher steps. As a retaliatory measure, the Iranian leadership has activated another “weapon” considered more effective than classic military armaments. This weapon is a strategic geographical position, even more dangerous than a nuclear warhead.
The discussion revolves around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most crucial energy arteries. This strait is, in fact, one of the central points of global energy security. A significant portion of the world's oil supply is transported through this narrow waterway.
For many years, Iran has openly declared that it could use the Strait of Hormuz as a tool for geopolitical pressure. Tehran had stated that if military or political pressure against it increased, it would consider closing the strait. Now, it is making this a reality. This effectively means a “nuclear weapon” strike on the global economy.
Experts characterize this situation as an “energy nuclear weapon.” Because while the closure of the Strait of Hormuz may not be as destructive as a nuclear strike, it would severely devastate the global economic system. This tool in Iran's hands is considered even more dangerous than a nuclear weapon.
The first reactions are already being observed in the markets. According to recent data, the price of a barrel of oil in the world market has exceeded 92 dollars. This is considered one of the first signals of the tension's direct impact on the energy market. The world is in shock over Iran's Hormuz policy.
Iranian officials, however, are issuing tougher warnings. They state that if the war in the region further expands, oil prices could rise to 200 dollars. Such a scenario could ignite the global economy.
The sharp increase in energy prices directly affects the economic stability of countries worldwide. An inflation wave will be inevitable here. The situation promises an even greater catastrophe, especially for countries dependent on energy imports.
European countries are already seriously discussing this possibility. This is because the crisis in the energy market that emerged after the war in Ukraine has not yet been fully resolved. Now, new risks are emerging in the Middle East.
The US is also closely monitoring the situation. For Washington, the security of the Strait of Hormuz is considered a strategic issue. The US Navy has been present in this region for years precisely to protect energy routes.
Israel, meanwhile, is seriously concerned about Iran's growing influence. Tel Aviv believes that Iran's regional power is not measured solely by its military potential. Tehran can also expand its sphere of influence by utilizing its strategic geographical position.
Analysts state that Iran is effectively sending a message to the world. The essence of the message is that if Iran is pressured, the global economy will also suffer significant damage. This is a strategy different from classic military confrontation. Through this, Iran is trying to wage war also on an economic plane.
The current situation indicates that energy resources in the Middle East have become one of the main tools of conflict. If tensions further escalate, a deep crisis will engulf the global economy. The sharp rise in oil prices could be the beginning of this.
This demonstrates how powerful the Strait of Hormuz is, which Iran is effectively using as a “nuclear weapon.”
The situation in the region can change at any moment. However, one truth is already clear: what is happening in the Middle East affects the fate of the entire world. The strategy employed by Iran shows that in the modern era, wars are waged not only with missiles but also with energy and economic tools. The world is facing this bitter reality.
Elnur AMIROV
