Fernando Brancoli, professor of International Relations at UFRJ, states that the United States’ interest in Iran goes far beyond the direct oil issue. In an interview with Now CNNthe expert explained that, although Donald Trump frequently mentions oil in his narratives, the main focus is on the trade relationship between Iran and China.
According to Brancoli, around 13% to 15% of the oil consumed by China comes from Iran, which makes this one for American geopolitical interests. “The great interest is not the specific Iranian oil that would be shipped and sent to the United States”, explained the professor.
Oil as a geopolitical instrument
The expert highlighted that oil works as a global market, and any change in its production or commercialization impacts all countries. In the specific case of Iran, the control over oil supplies to China it would represent a significant strategic advantage for the United States in the context of competition with Beijing.
“AND minus Iranian oil as a product that could be placed inside the ship sent to the United States, this definitely does not enter into this calculation, but with oil as a global market and oil that can go to China”, explained Brancoli.
The professor’s analysis reveals that recent developments are part of a broader geopolitical scenario, which includes relations with China and recent developments. “It ends up being something much more global than just about the Middle East”, concluded the expert, indicating that Trump’s strategy in relation to Iran is inserted in a context of global power struggle.
