Iraq Declares No War Over Oil Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions
In a region where oil is the lifeblood that fuels economies, politics, and even wars, Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made a crucial declaration: it will not plunge into war over oil. This pronouncement comes amid escalating tensions in the region, as the United States and Iran spar with airstrikes and proxy attacks.
Messages in the Skies
Recently, the United States conducted airstrikes on Iranian military munitions stockpiles in Syria. These strikes were not random acts of aggression but a carefully orchestrated operation intended to send a two-pronged message to Iran. Firstly, escalating attacks on American forces by Iranian proxies could lead to overt military confrontation. Secondly, if these attacks cease, both sides could revert to the simmering hostilities that have characterized their relationship in recent years.
However, the United States’ attempts to modify Iran’s behavior have often been fruitless. The 2015 nuclear deal, for instance, failed to foster the desired cooperation. Iran’s support for Hamas and Hezbollah, coupled with its oil sales to China, has bolstered its economy, making an all-out conflict a risky venture.
A Delicate Balance of Power
The U.S. strikes on Iranian military facilities were designed to be potent yet measured, strong enough to demonstrate resolve but not so severe as to escalate the situation or give Iranian hardliners an excuse to push for a wider regional war. The goal of the strikes is to deter and prevent future attacks by Iranian-backed militia groups.
However, the effectiveness of these strikes remains uncertain. The United States believes that Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, wants to avoid a wider war, but Iran is still applying pressure on the U.S. to rein in Israel and remind them of Iran’s power.
China’s Role in the Middle East
As the United States and Iran navigate this fraught relationship, another global superpower, China, is positioning itself as a key mediator in the Middle East. China has economic interests on both sides of the conflict and advocates for a peaceful resolution. By maintaining neutrality, it secures support from the Global South and demonstrates that it can collaborate with the West.
The current conflict provides an opportunity for China to demonstrate its willingness to partner with the West and dispel fears that its rise means seeking to replace the West.
As the Middle East teeters on the brink of potential conflict, Iraq’s decision to avoid war over oil is a beacon of hope in a turbulent storm. It remains to be seen whether other nations will follow suit and choose diplomacy over destruction.
https://bnn.network/world/iraq/iraq-declares-no-war-over-oil-amid-u-s-iran-tensions/
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