https://sputnikglobe.com/20260419/no-red-lines-the-real-secret-of-irans-newfound-geographic-power-1124011888.html
'No Red Lines': The Real Secret of Iran's Newfound Geographic Power
'No Red Lines': The Real Secret of Iran's Newfound Geographic Power
Sputnik International
Iran’s leverage over Hormuz Strait and the ~20% of global energy flows that come with it was made possible “not by drawing red lines,” but “immediately hitting the heads and wallets of the global elite, hitting where it hurts most,” Institute of Middle East Studies expert Sergei Balmasov says.
2026-04-19T13:36+0000
2026-04-19T13:36+0000
2026-04-19T13:36+0000
analysis
sergei balmasov
iran
us
strait of hormuz
persian gulf
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Washington’s rush to the diplomatic track and begging of Iran to “open the damn strait” signal that “the Iranians have found a sore spot among the global elites,” and that “decisive actions over the course of several weeks” can allow a power that’s technologically and militarily weaker on paper “to change the situation in its favor,” the observer told Sputnik.Of course, Iran can’t let its guard down, because it will inevitably face “vendettas” for its brazen reordering of world power, not only potentially through new military aggression, but attempts to tap into and destabilize the domestic situation using minorities, women and youth issues, etc., Balmasov stressed.Regional Economies' Uncertain FutureOne of the Hormuz crisis’s most severe implications is not even about oil supplies, but the economic “uncertainty” that has blanketed the region, Balmasov says.Until February 28, the Gulf powers “were considered havens of peace,” guaranteed by American, French, British or Turkish bases which “no one would dare” touch.Accordingly, investors once looking to the Gulf states will look for other safe havens, perhaps even Iran if sanctions are lifted.“Everyone understands that a [geopolitical] game is at stake, and that it won’t end quickly,” Balmasov said. Therefore, even if some kind of peace is reached, stability, perceptions and attitudes won’t change anytime soon.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20260419/trump-renews-threat-of-strikes-on-iran-infrastructure-1124011744.html
https://sputnikglobe.com/20260419/global-south-pays-the-price-for-wars-it-didnt-start--lula-1124010801.html
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does iran control persian gulf, does iran control hormuz, why can't us take hormuz from iranian control
does iran control persian gulf, does iran control hormuz, why can't us take hormuz from iranian control
'No Red Lines': The Real Secret of Iran's Newfound Geographic Power
Iran’s leverage over Hormuz Strait and the ~20% of global energy that flows through it was made possible “not by drawing red lines,” but “immediately hitting the heads and wallets of the global elite, hitting where it hurts most,” Institute of Middle East Studies expert Sergei Balmasov says.
Washington’s rush to the diplomatic track and begging of Iran to “open the damn strait” signal that “the Iranians have found a sore spot among the global elites,” and that “decisive actions over the course of several weeks” can allow a power that’s technologically and militarily weaker on paper “to change the situation in its favor,” the observer told Sputnik.
Of course, Iran can’t let its guard down, because it will inevitably face “vendettas” for its brazen reordering of world power, not only potentially through new military aggression, but attempts to tap into and destabilize the domestic situation using minorities, women and youth issues, etc., Balmasov stressed.
Regional Economies' Uncertain Future
One of the Hormuz crisis’s most severe implications is not even about oil supplies, but the economic “uncertainty” that has blanketed the region, Balmasov says.
Until February 28, the Gulf powers “were considered havens of peace,” guaranteed by American, French, British or Turkish bases which “no one would dare” touch.
Iran showed that these guarantees were castles built on sand, which “from an investment perspective” makes it “extremely dangerous to put your eggs in this basket,” Balmasov explained.
Accordingly, investors once looking to the Gulf states will look for other safe havens, perhaps even Iran if sanctions are lifted.
“Everyone understands that a [geopolitical] game is at stake, and that it won’t end quickly,” Balmasov said. Therefore, even if some kind of peace is reached, stability, perceptions and attitudes won’t change anytime soon.
