As tensions between Israel and Iran intensify, President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States has joined the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The development has triggered fresh concerns about rising gas prices and growing instability in the global oil market.
The U.S. launched strikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on Saturday night. The move has fueled fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, a region critical to global energy supplies. Oil prices, already trending upward since Israel’s initial strike, are expected to continue climbing as the situation evolves.
One of the immediate concerns centers on how Iran may respond. Possible reactions include military retaliation against U.S. forces in the region, attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz a key maritime route for global oil shipments or efforts to ramp up its nuclear development program. President Trump warned that additional U.S. military action could follow if Tehran does not choose to pursue peace.
In the lead-up to the strike, Brent Crude prices had surged by 11 percent, spurred by Israel’s attacks on Iran. Although markets briefly stabilized on Friday following the announcement of new U.S. sanctions against Iran, that reprieve faded quickly. Iran’s threats to block the Strait of Hormuz have again unsettled investors and governments alike, raising concerns about potential disruptions in oil supply.
Experts warn that the volatility could have a direct effect on American gas prices. Disruption in the region could drive up oil prices globally, with ripple effects seen at gas stations across the United States. According to Greg Kennedy, an economic conflict expert from King’s College London, uncertainty around how long the conflict may last is causing some nations to begin hoarding or making early purchases, contributing to competitive supply pressures and increased prices.
Kennedy also pointed out that the strategic consequences of this conflict extend beyond the Middle East. Higher oil prices could benefit countries like Russia, whose Urals crude has already risen in value by 26 percent over the past month. He noted that these profits may help prolong Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine by boosting its economic and political leverage.
Overall, the U.S. airstrikes represent more than a military maneuver they mark a significant turning point that may have broad economic implications for global energy markets and American consumers.
