Global analysts weigh key factors in ongoing Middle East conflict and shifting global order

Six months after American and Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian facilities, global energy markets and maritime trade routes continue to experience persistent instability. Despite suffering substantial damage to its military infrastructure, Iran maintains operational influence over the vital Strait of Hormuz, preventing a clear resolution to the regional confrontation.

Analysts and former diplomats highlight several critical variables that will dictate the conflict's trajectory. Key factors include Tehran's resilience against Western economic pressure, domestic stability, and the likelihood of renewed diplomatic talks with Washington. Concurrently, broader competition among major global powers—including the United States, Russia, China, and Iran—is influencing global hegemony and reordering international relations, extending its impact to regional security debates in Southeastern Europe.

Sources: BalkanWeb, Gazeta Tema, Koha.