Netanyahu and Trump faceand Trump face backlash over Iran war
A South China Morning Post opinion piece published on May 23 argues that Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump’s joint war against Iran has shaken global energy markets.
The article says the conflict has had wider economic effects even as much of the direct suffering has fallen on Palestinians, Lebanese and Yemenis.
It argues the war matters far beyond the region because of its impact on energy prices and the world economy.
South China Morning Post Opinion
The piece frames the campaign against Iran as a costly mistake for Netanyahu and Trump. It argues that China benefits when others choose war because instability weakens rivals and raises global economic risk.
Regional Critique
The article presents the war as part of a broader pattern of violence affecting Palestinians, Lebanese and Yemenis. In this view, the conflict’s human toll and regional spillover are inseparable from its energy shock.
- China imports much of its oil, so disruptions in Middle East supply can affect its economy quickly.
- The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important chokepoints for tanker traffic.
- Oil price shocks have repeatedly influenced inflation in countries far from the Middle East.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
