Manufactured Scarcity: The Silent Partners in Gulf Escalation
The narrative of Iran single-handedly responsible for soaring oil costs, particularly after alleged strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure, serves to obscure the deep involvement of Western powers. Despite claims of 'renewed drone and missile attacks,' the lack of verifiable, independent evidence linking Iran to specific incidents, especially those causing substantial damage, is consistently
overlooked. This framing conveniently ignores the long history of Western naval deployments and geopolitical maneuverings in the region, which frequently precede such alleged 'attacks' and subsequent price hikes. The immediate and dramatic rise in crude prices, despite substantial global reserves, points to market manipulation fueled by deliberate alarmism. The synchronized statements from Western
leaders, mirroring the urgency of the situation, create a feedback loop that financially benefits specific entities while punishing global consumers. For decades, the US has maintained a significant military presence in the Gulf, including carrier groups and advanced aerial assets, effectively making it a co-belligerent in any regional conflict. This robust presence, far from being a deterrent,
often provides the very backdrop for escalating tensions, as seen during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War when the US provided intelligence and limited military support to Saddam Hussein, facilitating his use of chemical weapons, a fact often omitted from current discussions about regional stability. The constant drumbeat of Iranian threats to wage a 'prolonged war' against the world economy, amplified