Situation with Iran, objectively

How can we make sense of what is happening in the situation with Iran and the entire Middle East? The way to make sense of any issue is without political bias and with a Biblical perspective. Discussed herein are recent developments with credible sources used as references. In the context of economics, Iran is known for its oil, but in many ways Iran’s natural gas is more significant. Other factors of Iranian economics not affected by the blockade include reciprocating land-bordering countries, most notably Iraq and Turkey, and the Caspian Sea whereby Iran has been increasing trade with Russia. Militarily, as Iran has continued attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, recent incidents and developments are summarized. All the while, there are interesting characteristics unfolding with the U.S. presidency.

Iran’s Natural Gas

In addition to being an oil-rich nation, Iran’s natural gas reserves rank second largest in the world, and natural gas production ranks third highest in the world.  As of 2022, at least 85% of Iran’s electricity was generated by natural gas. Iran has been increasing domestic production of natural gas and upgrading to more efficient combined-cycle power plants. For exporting natural gas, Iran has pipelines to neighboring countries, especially Iraq and Turkey, though it is uncertain whether Iran produces enough natural gas to meet domestic demand and export substantial quantities simultaneously.  Iran has also used oil as fuel for electricity generation but has been increasingly using natural gas [1]. It can be said that because of its robust natural gas production, Iran could largely be self-sufficient. The country’s major natural gas source, the South Pars gas field, sustained some damages in Israeli airstrikes in March, but has continued partial production and repairs have been progressing [2].

What is not Blockaded

Since before the conflict, Iraq and Turkey have been significant land-bordering export markets for Iran, at 20% and about 11%, respectively [3]. Iraq depends on buying natural gas from Iran for generating electricity [4].  Also, Iraq relies heavily on Iran for steel in the construction industry [5]. For Turkey, about one-tenth of its natural gas consumption is supplied by Iran [6]. The stance that Turkey takes on trade with Iran will certainly have significance to Iran economically [3]. The president of Turkey has described their relationship with Iran as a “neighborly and brotherly bond” [7]. Iran has increasingly been trading with Russia through the Caspian Sea [5].

Strait of Hormuz Developments

Coinciding with a late report [8], on September 20th the M/T Al Maryah was struck by a drone near the Strait of Hormuz [9]. On September 21st was a report of a tanker being struck in the strait [10], which evidently was the M/T LR Stephanie [9].  While major shipping companies choose to avoid the risk of sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, there have been shuttle operations where shippers willing to take the risk will shuttle loads through the strait, often coordinated with the U.S.-facilitated shipping corridor, and make ship-to-ship transfers in the Gulf of Oman [11]. Ship-to ship transfers are a partial solution but reduce overall shipping efficiency. On September 23rd, the bulk carrier M/V Cape Dao was struck, resulting in an engine room fire, evacuation of the ship, and death of a crew member from India [12]. In response, India issued a statement condemning the attack; several crew members from India have been killed in various attacks on ships in Hormuz. The Joint Maritime Information Center reports that persistent actions of the IRGC in the Strait of Hormuz include drone overflight, targeted surveillance of commercial ships, and occasional VHF (very high frequency) hailing [13].

U.S. Politics

No political system of this world is perfect; people have been deceived to think that there is. These days, there is exploitation of those imperfections, most of which have been latent. For instance, the principle of checks and balances to the executive branch can be corrupted, especially if the other branches are largely partisan to the executive branch. That is why the midterm elections on November 3rd are regarded as so important, although winning the midterms is not a necessity for corruption at this point. The midterms are a factor in the situation with Iran, as the results would have implications to U.S. decision-making [14]. It is thought that any deal made between the U.S. administration and Iran, would contradict the interests of Israel [14]. 

The Problem of Pride

It is not an overstatement to say that the current president of the United States is arguably the most prideful man in all of history. Characteristically, such as in the situation with Iran, despite the reality of the situation, he assumes the position of standalone dominance. His book, The Art of the Deal, which explains much about his character and gives insight into his way of thinking, was written out of pride. According to Proverbs 8:13, the Lord hates arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.  The answer to the problem of pride, as written in 1 Peter 5:6, is to “humble yourself under the mighty hand of God.”  

References

[1] U.S. Energy Information Administration.  2024.  Country Analysis Brief: Iran.  U.S. Department of Energy.

[2] Reuters.  2026, September 23.  Iran says half of damaged production at behemoth South Pars gas field restored.  The Times of Israel.

[3] Pesaran, H. and R. Smith.  2026, August 25.  Sanctions, Wars and Prospects for the Iranian Economy.  Cambridge Working Papers in Economics.

[4] Georgy, M.  2026, August 25.  Iraq may show how U.S. can squeeze Iran’s trade partners.  Reuters.

[5] Klimek, P., S. Baum, M. Devetak, M. Heß, S. Thurner, and J. Verschuur.  2026, March.  When the Strait Closes: Trade Dependencies and Shipping Disruption Scenarios for the Strait of Hormuz.  Supply Chain Intelligence Institute Austria (ASCII) Research Brief.

[6] Sagman, H.  2026, February 4.  Iran’s Stability as a Turkish National Security Interest.  The Institute for National Security Studies.

[7] Berman, L.  2026, March 9.  Erdogan: We have delivered warnings to Iran about missile fire.  The Times of Israel.

[8] Attack UKMTO #141.  United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations.

[9] Hand, M.  2026, September 21.  Two tankers attacked in Hormuz, two crew injured.  Seatrade Maritime News.

[10] Attack UKMTO #140.  United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations.

[11] Raydan, N.  2026, September 17.  Hormuz shuttle tankers: An evolving trend amid the Iran War.  Seatrade Maritime News.

[12] AFP.  2026, September 23.  Indian sailor killed in attack on vessel in Strait of Hormuz – Indian, Omani authorities.  The Times of Israel.

[13] 2026, September 27.  Update 100 JMIC Advisory Note 27 September.  Joint Maritime Information Center.

[14] Bob, Y. J.  2026, September 27.   Iran split screen: When US, Israeli interests reach a fork in the road – analysis.  The Jerusalem Post.