From Waltz to Hormuz: Why a Gulf Escalation would backfire Systemically

February 17, 2026
‏Peiman Salehi
( Middle East Monitor ) – Most analyses of potential US escalation against Iran in the Gulf remain confined to deterrence logic and regional balances of power. The debate often focuses on credibility, retaliation, and red lines. Yet such framing misses a deeper structural reality. When viewed through the lens of classical international relations theory, a Gulf crisis is not merely a bilateral confrontation. It is a stress test for the global industrial system.

“Map of Straits of Hormuz” Public Domain. Via Picryl.

Trump stalls over Iran strike plan, Iran holds all the aces

February 17, 2026
Martin Jay

Trump may pretend that Israel is a client state of Washington which has to toe the line, but in reality, it is clear that Israel is calling the shots.