Trump Faces 3-Month Iran War Reckoning as 1/5 of Global Oil and Gas Stays at Risk
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 23
Trump Faces 3-Month Iran War Reckoning as 1/5 of Global Oil and Gas Stays at Risk
2 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 23
Three months after launching the Iran campaign, Trump is under growing pressure as analysts question whether battlefield gains can still be turned into a political or strategic win.
Iran still controls leverage over the Strait of Hormuz—through which about one-fifth of global oil and gas flows—while its government remains in place and it has resisted major nuclear concessions.
Trump’s stated goals remain largely unmet: denuclearization is unfinished, support for proxy forces has not been halted, and hopes of weakening the regime have not materialized despite heavy U.S. and Israeli strikes.
The prolonged standoff is raising domestic and foreign-policy costs, with high U.S. gasoline prices, slipping approval ratings, Republican unease and frayed ties with European allies adding to the strain.
Analysts say Trump now faces a narrow choice between accepting an imperfect deal or resuming strikes that could deepen a conflict already running twice the six-week timetable he originally set.
With global markets in crisis and Iran's strategic chokehold unbroken, can America's tactical military success be considered a victory?
With Iran's leadership in turmoil, is the world prepared for the country's potential collapse into a wider civil war?
While the U.S. is mired in the Middle East, are China and Russia the conflict's real geopolitical winners?
Strait of Hormuz Crisis: U.S.-Iran Conflict Drives Oil Prices Up 60%, Triggers Global Recession and Political Upheaval
Overview
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran has left the Strait of Hormuz under tight Iranian control, causing severe disruptions to global shipping and driving up oil prices. Despite US efforts to guide stranded ships, normal maritime operations have not resumed, leading to persistent shortages of oil and LNG. This has triggered widespread economic fallout, including inflation, supply chain disruptions, and a looming risk of food crises, especially for vulnerable regions. The prolonged closure of the Strait and damaged energy infrastructure mean recovery will be slow, with lasting impacts on global trade, energy markets, and economic stability.