Escalating Middle East war has the world on economic jitters, notes expert

Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate with the US and Israel looking for international support amid a series of delayed attacks targeting senior Iranian officials.

Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was reportedly killed just one day after senior security chief Ali Larjani was confirmed dead following an Israeli strike. 

RELATED:

Trump lashes out at NATO allies for ‘foolish mistake’ over Iran

Israel says killed Iran intel chief, tells military to hunt down officials

Political economist Dale McKinley said the international community, including North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) members, has responded cautiously, instead opting for a strategic approach rather than direct intervention.

He explained that this approach reflects concerns over the potential long-term consequences for global energy supplies and the wider global economy.

He warned that countries far from the conflict, including South Africa, will not be immune to its effects.

“It's not just about how you and I are going to pay for another litre of fuel… It's particularly diesel… We’re dependent more on diesel coming from that side of the world."

McKinley emphasised that South Africa’s situation is not unique, adding that many countries face similar vulnerabilities due to their reliance on Middle East energy supplies.

He added that US President Donald Trump has also been an unpredictable player in the crisis.

“One day he says one thing, the next day he says another thing. I sense that there is a split within the Trump administration, that there are camps that are fighting each other… this is going to do massive amounts of damage."

McKinley explained that war in the Middle East has created a complex web of international relations, with countries trying to avoid entanglement.

"There's not a great deal that Africa can do about this, and many other countries are going to face exactly the same situation."

To listen to McKinley in conversation with CapeTalk and 702’s Africa Melane, use the audio player below: