OPEC+ agreed on June 7 to raise output by 188,000 barrels per day in July, with participation from Algeria, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Oman, Russia, and Saudi Arabia [Straits Times]. The decision follows US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began February 28, Iran's reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and subsequent missile exchanges [Straits Times]. Brent crude reached $96.47 per barrel and WTI traded near $94 [Straits Times].
OPEC+’s modest output increase cannot offset damage from US-Israeli confrontation with Iran that closed the Strait of Hormuz and raised prices, harming working families and delaying renewable transition.
“Militarized policy and fossil-fuel dependence widen inequality”
Conservative
The production hike and Iranian escalation underscore costs of relying on adversarial cartels; US domestic output and deterrence are needed to counter Tehran’s threats.
“Strategic necessity of credible force over diplomatic resets”
Libertarian
OPEC+ quota coordination and state military actions around the Strait of Hormuz impose costs on energy users through top-down decisions rather than market signals.
“Sovereign force and cartel allocation versus voluntary commercial arrangements”
Devil's Advocate
All three views accept the closure and strike timeline as given without checking plausibility or alternative market drivers, and overlook fluid alliance signals such as Trump’s simultaneous criticism of Israel.
“Unexamined premises about causation and source limitations”