THE GEOPOLITICS OF THE PERSIAN GULF AND WAR WITH IRAN - ANALYSIS

What happened: An FPRI analysis by Philip Wasielewski frames the US-Iran conflict since 1979 as a geopolitical struggle over Persian Gulf oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, intensified by the post-1979 regime's rejection of the US-led security order. Why it matters: The author argues Iran's closure of the Strait during the current war has given it proven economic leverage, while prolonged stalemate could let China assume the role of Gulf security guarantor, potentially shifting the petrodollar system and global reserve-currency status.

An FPRI analysis by Philip Wasielewski frames the US-Iran conflict since 1979 as a geopolitical struggle over Persian Gulf oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, intensified by the post-1979 regime's rejection of the US-led security order.

The author argues Iran's closure of the Strait during the current war has given it proven economic leverage, while prolonged stalemate could let China assume the role of Gulf security guarantor, potentially shifting the petrodollar system and global reserve-currency status.