The Iran–United States Conflict in the Middle East: Implications for Global Energy Security, Peace, and Stability

AGAZUMA Ehigiamusor Solomon; IRABOR Ehikioya Festus; ONAKALU Cletus

doi:10.51699/cajssh.v7i3.1377

Authors

AGAZUMA Ehigiamusor Solomon Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Ambrose Alli University
IRABOR Ehikioya Festus Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, Ambrose Alli University
ONAKALU Cletus Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Ambrose Alli University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51699/cajssh.v7i3.1377

Keywords:

US-Iran conflict, Middle East, Global energy security, Peace and security, Energy supply chain, International cooperation, Energy diversification

Abstract

The ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran war in the Middle East has critical implications for global energy security, peace, and stability. The study which relied on secondary data is anchored in complexity theory, the conflict is understood not as a linear event but as a dynamic, adaptive system where interacting actors, energy markets, shipping routes, and geopolitical interests produce emergent and often unpredictable outcomes viewing the premise upon which the war is situated. The region, particularly Israel and America has considered the activities of Iranian supreme leader and government as threat to global security. As a result the US considered the situation as disturbing and needed to redress. The region remains central to global energy architecture, with the Strait of Hormuz alone handling roughly 20% of global oil consumption and 30% of seaborne crude shipments. Iran's threats and partial restrictions on the strait have triggered immediate supply disruptions, with the International Energy Agency warning of a potential drop of up to 8 million barrels per day and prices surging above $100 per barrel if tensions persist. This study examines the root causes and effects of the U.S.-Iran rivalry on oil price volatility, energy supply chains, and economic stability in import-dependent states, while assessing the role of international organizations such as OPEC in crisis mitigation. Findings show that small perturbations in the Strait of Hormuz cascade through interconnected financial, trade, and security systems, amplifying risk. The study recommends diversifying energy sources, strengthening international cooperation and emergency response mechanisms, promoting energy efficiency, and accelerating investment in renewables to reduce systemic vulnerability to chokepoint shocks and enhance long-term global energy security.

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