Satyajit Das Analyzes Persian Gulf and Energy Market Reconfiguration

Satyajit Das examines how the Israel-US war against Iran is reshaping the Persian Gulf and energy markets. Iran's Revolutionary Guards hardliners have strengthened after moderates were killed in airstrikes. Iran demands withdrawal of US bases, security guarantees, reparations, new Straits of Hormuz arrangements, lifting of sanctions, and release of $100-120 billion in frozen assets. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states—Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman—face a dilemma: side with the US-Israel axis or reach an accommodation with Iran. Siding with the US risks popular outrage and regime stability; joining Iran would antagonize Western allies. The GCC is divided, with UAE-Saudi differences over oil production, and lingering tensions from the Qatar blockade. US arms sales to Gulf states total $16.5 billion. Emirati businessman Khalaf al-Habtoor publicly questioned US authority to drag the region into war. Senator Lindsey Graham criticized Saudi Arabia's refusal to join military operations. The conflict's outcome could affect global energy security and involve Russia and China.