How do I view the US attack on Iran?
As an economist and observer of global affairs, I see both the justification and the risks. Let me explain.
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Why the attack is understandable:
1. Iran is a terrorist state.
It has long supported and harbored terrorist organizations. Its fingerprints are found across conflicts in the Middle East and beyond.
2. Iran is Russia’s closest partner.
Iranian drones are killing Ukrainians as we speak. Tehran supplies Moscow with weapons, technology, and moral cover – directly fueling Russian aggression.
3. Iran was close to developing nuclear weapons.
This is not speculation. Numerous intelligence reports from different countries have documented Iran’s progress. If the regime were to go nuclear, it would pose a catastrophic threat to the region and global stability.
In this light, Iran is reaping the consequences of its actions.
But there are two serious concerns:
1. The MAGA hypocrisy.
Trump ran on the promise of no new wars. He mocked Obama and Biden for allegedly planning to attack Iran, calling them “weak” and “incapable of negotiation.” Now he’s doing exactly what he once condemned. It’s fair to judge him by his own standards.
2. The unintended beneficiary: Russia.
War in the Gulf will raise global oil prices. And who benefits? Russia, which is heavily dependent on oil exports. A conflict designed to punish one aggressor may end up enriching another.
Other Topics of Interest
Israel’s attack on Iran shifted focus, but US oil dominance and EU sanctions must keep pressuring Russia, whose war on Ukraine is still heavily funded by energy exports.
People on both sides of this issue will find this post uncomfortable. That’s fine. But this is how economists think – in terms of tradeoffs, costs and benefits, long-term consequences.
It’s not about cheering or condemning. It’s about clarity. And clarity is desperately needed right now.
Roman Sheremeta is a Professor of Economics, Board Member at Save Ukraine and Ukrainian American House and former founding Rector at American University, Kyiv.
This commentary is reprinted with the author’s permission from his post on Facebook.
The views expressed in this opinion article are the author’s and not necessarily those of Kyiv Post.