Oil, Escalation, and the New Power Game: A Geopolitical Analysis of the US-Israeli Strategy Toward Iran

Abstract

This article examines the geopolitical dimensions of the US-Israeli military strategy toward Iran, with particular focus on the energy security implications of the conflict that erupted in February-March 2026. Through analysis of official statements, military actions, and energy market disruptions, the study investigates how the targeting of oil infrastructure has transformed the strategic calculus of all parties involved. The research finds that energy assets have become both military objectives and political instruments, creating a complex escalation dynamic that threatens global economic stability. The Strait of Hormuz emerges as the critical vulnerability, with disruptions to this chokepoint affecting approximately 20 percent of global oil shipments (U.S. Energy Information Administration [EIA], 2025). The article argues that the US-Israeli strategy, while ostensibly focused on Iran's nuclear program and regional influence, has inadvertently created energy security dilemmas that may prove counterproductive to stated objectives. This research contributes to understanding the intersection of military confrontation and energy geopolitics in contemporary Middle East conflicts.