Open US-Iran hostilities started on February 28 2026, closing the Strait of Hormuz that previously carried 15 million barrels of oil daily. At least 1,500 vessels are reported stuck in the Persian Gulf and several hundred in the Gulf of Oman. Gulf states are accelerating multiple pipeline projects while Houthi forces have struck Saudi tankers and the US has conducted repeated strikes on Iranian targets.
US militarism and threats against civilian infrastructure have manufactured the energy crisis and forced costly fossil-fuel infrastructure investments.
“US actions as primary driver of escalation and environmental fallout”
Conservative
Iranian closure of the Strait and Houthi proxy attacks necessitated decisive US force to restore deterrence and protect global energy markets.
“Iranian actions as root cause requiring strong military response”
Libertarian
State militaries and proxy forces have imposed coercive barriers on voluntary commerce, creating massive deadweight losses and stranded vessels.
“Government violence overriding market exchange and property rights”
Devil's Advocate
All three views accept unverified total-closure claims and treat pipeline acceleration as immediately feasible while ignoring pre-existing bypass capacity and the study's pre-war publication date.
“Shared factual premises that overlook verification gaps and alternative routing options”