Oil, power and the fear of World War III

 Oil, power and the fear of World War III

 

World history is a witness to the fact that major wars are often fought in the name of ideology, but the real driving force behind them is power, resources and economy.

The current global situation is also presenting a similar picture where the aggressive actions of the US and Israel against Iran have not only put the Middle East on the brink of war once again but have also given rise to a new tension in global politics.

President Trump is embroiled in this crisis.

On the surface, this conflict seems to revolve around security, the nuclear program or regional influence, but if we look deeper, the center of this entire conflict is the struggle for supremacy between oil, the global economy and the great powers.

Israeli attacks on Iran and the open or silent support of the US have once again pushed this region towards instability. Israel has long considered Iran's nuclear program a threat to itself and on this basis, allegations of cyber attacks, assassinations of scientists and attacks on military installations have also been made at different times within Iran.

The same narrative is being repeated in the current tensions that Iran’s nuclear ambitions must be stopped, but the truth is that the roots of this conflict are much deeper than that.

The Middle East is home to the world’s largest oil reserves. The major powers of the global economy have always strived to maintain influence in the region. The United States has maintained its military and political presence in the region for the past several decades.

Many events, including the Iraq war, the long war in Afghanistan, and the Syrian crisis, are considered part of this grand strategy. Iran is the only major power in the entire region that openly challenges American influence. This is why Iran has always been a major strategic problem for Washington.

Israel also considers Iran to be its biggest threat. The Israeli leadership maintains that Iran not only does not recognize its existence but also supports groups in the region that are active against Israel. Against this backdrop, the hostility between Israel and Iran is not only diplomatic or political, but has also included a military aspect.

However, the question is, is this tension really only between Israel and Iran, or is there a rivalry between major world powers behind it?

 

In fact, the real competition in the current global scenario is between the United States and China. China has emerged as an economic power in the last two decades and its economy is constantly growing. China’s industrial development and growing energy needs lead it to Middle Eastern oil. Iran is an important source of energy for China and economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries is growing rapidly. China has also signed long-term economic agreements with Iran under which large-scale investments are being made in the energy, infrastructure and trade sectors.

This is the aspect that worries the United States the most. Washington believes that if China continues to have free access to Middle Eastern oil, its influence in the global economy will increase further. That is why the United States has been trying to weaken Iran’s economy through economic sanctions and isolate it in the global system.

If a government is established in Iran that is close to the US or Western countries, not only will the West’s influence on Iran’s oil increase, but China’s energy sources may also be limited.

This is why pressure on Iran and Israeli attacks are actually part of a broader geopolitical strategy. The US and China avoid direct war because both are nuclear powers and such a war could lead the entire world to destruction. Instead, the major powers indirectly compete for influence in different regions. The Middle East has become an important arena of this global competition.

This situation is also very sensitive for Pakistan. Iran is Pakistan’s neighbor and the two countries have religious, cultural and geographical ties. Pakistan has always taken the position that regional problems should be resolved not through war but through negotiations and diplomacy.

If a government is established in Iran that is completely subject to US influence, its effects will be felt not only on Iran but also on the entire region. This situation could also pose challenges for Pakistan as the balance of power in the region would change.

Moreover, Pakistan and China have close economic and strategic ties. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a major example of cooperation between the two countries. If the US succeeds in establishing its complete control over Iranian oil, it could also have implications for China’s economy and energy policy. That is why China would not want a government in Iran that is completely under the influence of the US.

On the other hand, Iran is also aware of the fact that if it wants to maintain its regional influence and sovereignty, it must strengthen its defense capabilities. Iran’s military strategy includes a missile program, ties with regional allies, and defense readiness. This is why Israel and the United States continue to try to limit Iran’s military capabilities.

The most dangerous aspect of the current tension is that if this conflict escalates further, its effects will not be limited to the Middle East. The global economy, energy prices, and international trade will all be affected. The world is already in a state of uncertainty due to the Ukraine war and various economic crises. If a major war breaks out in the Middle East, this situation could even increase the fears of World War III.

In all this, the international community has the responsibility to play an effective role in reducing tensions. Prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy rather than the use of force is the only sustainable solution to this crisis. History has repeatedly proven that wars can bring temporary victory, but they cannot provide lasting peace and stability.

In conclusion, it can be said that the current tension between Iran, Israel and the United States is not just a regional conflict but part of a rivalry between major world powers. Behind this conflict lies the politics of oil, economy and global hegemony. If the world powers do not show wisdom, this fire can engulf the entire region. In such a situation, wisdom lies in choosing the path of dialogue and cooperation instead of force, because wars never create lasting peace, but only open the doors to new disasters.