War, chokepoints and markets: Rethinking the US-Israel-Iran war

The ongoing US-Israel-Iran war is often framed as a military confrontation or an ideological battle. However, such interpretations only capture part of the picture. The conflict is better understood as a multi-layered phenomenon shaped by strategic geography, competing narratives and systemic economic dynamics. At its core, it is not only about territory or security but about control over flows of energy, trade and capital. A central element in this war is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical maritime chokepoints in the world. A substantial proportion of global oil supplies transit through this narrow passage, making it a vital artery of the international economy. Its vulnerability lies not only in its geography but in its strategic significance. Even […]