United States and Israeli military strikes against Iran have disrupted global oil supplies and altered international energy markets [1, 2].

This conflict matters because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for the world's energy security. Any prolonged instability in the region forces global economies to seek alternative fuel sources and accelerates the transition away from fossil fuels [3, 4].

The conflict has lasted two months as of late April 2026 [5, 6]. During this period, the volatility of oil flows has prompted a reassessment of energy dependence across several continents [3]. The strategic importance of the region is highlighted by the fact that oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz accounts for about 20 percent of global oil supplies [7].

Analysts describe the current situation as a deliberate attempt by Tehran to use its geographic position as a weapon. "Iran has very much decided on energy warfare," Gohel said in a report by CTV News [8].

This shift toward "energy warfare" has had two primary effects on the global market. First, it has spurred a rapid increase in the adoption of renewable energy sources as nations seek to reduce their vulnerability to Middle Eastern geopolitical shocks [6, 9]. Second, the disruption has led to a surge in U.S. energy exports as allies look for more stable suppliers to replace Iranian oil [1, 3].

Despite these shifts, some experts suggest that the fundamental geography of the region remains a risk. Iran continues to maintain significant control over the Strait of Hormuz, meaning the threat of supply shocks remains present regardless of the global transition to renewables [2].

“"Iran has very much decided on energy warfare."”

The conflict transforms a regional geopolitical struggle into a global economic catalyst. By weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is inadvertently accelerating the obsolescence of fossil fuels in the West. While U.S. energy exports provide a short-term buffer, the long-term result is likely a permanent decoupling of global energy security from Middle Eastern oil stability.