Russia Exploits Hormuz Crisis as Gulf States Align with U.S. Against Iran

Global energy markets faced significant volatility in the last 24 hours as oil prices surged over 30% due to the ongoing disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a strategic pivot, threatening to halt oil and gas exports to the European Union while redirecting supplies to Asia. Putin positioned Moscow as a stable alternative supplier to capitalize on the U.S.-initiated disruptions and the closure of the critical maritime choke point. In the Persian Gulf, diplomatic relations have reached a breaking point. The United Arab Emirates has begun expelling thousands of long-term Iranian residents and closing Iranian-linked schools and hospitals. Analysts suggest Iran's recent strikes on U.S. assets in neighboring countries have backfired, pushing Gulf states toward a permanent rupture with Tehran and leading them to seek increased U.S. and Israeli protection. President Trump has signaled a push for a multinational naval force to secure the Strait while rejecting Iran's current negotiation terms. Domestically, Iran faces continued internal and external pressure. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, reportedly injured, issued a defiant statement vowing to continue the conflict. This comes as drones targeted Basij paramilitary checkpoints in Tehran, which are frequently used for protest suppression. President Trump further escalated rhetoric by suggesting U.S. forces could strike Iran’s Kharg Island again, claiming prior operations have already significantly degraded the military infrastructure at the site.