politics
March 18, 2026
Iran is not Iraq: The high price of misreading a regional power
Washington’s new assault ignores Iran’s resilience, regional centrality, and the global economic risks of another failed experiment
TL;DR
- US military interventions for regime change in the Middle East have historically resulted in instability, ethnic divisions, terrorism, and refugee crises.
- Iran's strategic importance, including its control of the Strait of Hormuz, and its internal resilience make it a distinct case compared to previously targeted countries.
- The conflict has led to a surge in oil prices and has forced policy shifts, such as the US lifting sanctions on Russian oil for India, to mitigate economic fallout.
- India faces significant economic and geopolitical risks due to its extensive ties with the Gulf region, which relies heavily on trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The author advocates for a ceasefire and a return to dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further destabilization.
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