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A World War? Iran War Draws in More than Regional Rivals • FRANCE 24 English

The France 24 debate focused on the rapidly expanding conflict that began with Israel and the United States targeting Iran’s leadership, now spilling into the Strait of Hormuz and jeopardizing the flow of roughly one‑fifth of the world’s petroleum. U.S. forces have already struck Iranian civilian ports, while Iran’s drones threaten commercial shipping and regional airports, prompting concerns over a global energy shock. Panelists highlighted how the disruption creates a short‑term windfall for Russia, which is scrambling to sell discounted crude to fill the gap left by Iranian output. Kremlin officials, including President Vladimir Putin, promised to supply oil and gas to reliable partners in Asia and Eastern Europe, hoping to plug budget deficits caused by Western sanctions. At the same time, the Trump administration is weighing a partial easing of sanctions on Russian oil to calm gasoline prices ahead of the U.S. election. Ukraine entered the discussion by offering its low‑cost drone‑intercept technology to Gulf states battling Iranian Shahed attacks, positioning Kyiv as a strategic tech partner. Experts warned that the cost‑ineffective reliance on Patriot missiles in the Gulf mirrors Ukraine’s own challenges, underscoring the need for Ukrainian expertise in detection and tactics. Meanwhile, European leaders cautioned against re‑importing Russian oil, fearing a strategic blunder despite public pressure to lower energy costs. If the Middle‑East confrontation continues to widen, it could erode NATO cohesion and force Western capitals to choose between energy security and geopolitical alignment. The interplay of oil markets, sanctions policy, and emerging drone warfare may reshape global alliances and set the stage for a broader, de‑regionalized conflict.