Oil Price Surge Challenges Donald Trump's Economic Control

Middle East outlets focus on the threat that US moves to seize Iranian oil or control Hormuz pose to regional stability and sovereignty. They highlight Trump’s insults toward US critics of an invasion and fears that Gulf states could be drawn into paying for or hosting operations against Iran. Many expect Iran and its allies to resist any attempt to "take the oil," raising the risk of attacks on shipping and energy sites across the region.

• •Trump has openly mused about invading Iran to seize oil and called US objectors "stupid people."
• •Regional reporting stresses that Kharg Island is central to Iran’s export income and any attack would be seen as an assault on national sovereignty.
• •Commentators in the Middle East warn that US control over the Strait of Hormuz would deepen local resentment and could trigger asymmetric responses from Iran.
• •Gulf governments are portrayed as wary of being asked to fund or endorse a US-led operation against Iran’s oil sector.
• •Regional media warn that fighting around the Gulf and threats to shipping lanes are already feeding higher fuel costs for import-dependent countries.