Iran War Disrupts Global Energy System, Sparking Renewable Energy Debate

Experts see opportunity for countries to boost domestic renewable power amid supply chain disruptions and soaring fuel prices

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The ongoing Iran war is shaking the global energy system, with disruptions to oil and gas supplies, skyrocketing fuel prices, and damaged refineries. Some experts believe this crisis could provide a powerful argument for countries to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources that are less vulnerable to geopolitical conflicts. However, others warn that nations may instead turn to even dirtier fossil fuels like coal to address short-term energy security concerns, as happened after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Why it matters

The turmoil in the Middle East highlights the risks of relying on a global energy system heavily dependent on fossil fuels, where conflicts in one region can send shockwaves through the global economy. Proponents of renewable energy argue that homegrown clean power sources offer greater stability and resilience. But skeptics caution that countries may revert to more polluting fuels in the face of immediate energy supply challenges, undermining long-term climate goals.

The details

The Iran war has disrupted global energy supply chains, with bombed refineries, disrupted shipping channels for oil and liquefied natural gas, and skyrocketing fuel prices. Some experts hope this will encourage countries to accelerate the shift to renewable energy sources that are less vulnerable to geopolitical conflicts. However, others point to how the Russia-Ukraine war prompted some European nations to replace gas with even dirtier coal, suggesting countries may prioritize short-term energy security over long-term climate action.

  • The Iran war began in early 2026, sparking the current energy crisis.
  • The most recent U.N. climate conference, COP30, was held in Brazil and failed to even mention the words 'fossil fuels'.

The players

António Guterres

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, who has argued that the Iran war demonstrates the need to transition to renewable energy sources that cannot be "blockaded or weaponized".

Rob Jackson

A climate scientist at Stanford University who tracks global carbon emissions, and is skeptical that the Iran war will lead to a significant shift towards renewable energy.

Michael Oppenheimer

A professor of climate and international affairs at Princeton University, who believes emissions reduction will be largely unilateral rather than through global cooperation in the coming years.

Caroline Baxter

The director of the Converging Risks Lab at the Council on Strategic Risks in Washington, who believes the Iran conflict could prompt some countries to boost domestic renewable energy to enhance energy security.

Pauline Heinrichs

A lecturer in war studies at King's College in the United Kingdom, who warns that countries may turn to dirtier fossil fuels like coal, similar to Europe's response to the Russia-Ukraine war.

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What they’re saying

“The turmoil we are witnessing today in the Middle East makes it evident that we are facing a global energy system largely tied to fossil fuels — where supply is concentrated in a few regions and every conflict risks sending shock waves through the global economy. Homegrown renewable energy has never been cheaper, more accessible, or more scalable.”

— António Guterres, UN Secretary-General (The Associated Press)

“The bottom line is that for at least another five years and maybe longer, emissions reduction will in fact be dealt with largely unilaterally. If countries see the Israel-U.S.-Iran war as a further reason to head for the exits on fossil fuels by loosening domestic opposition to the necessary policies, that will be accomplished unilaterally at the domestic level.”

— Michael Oppenheimer, Professor of Climate and International Affairs, Princeton University (The Associated Press)

“I think there is an opportunity, rightly or wrongly, for countries to really turn inward and try to power themselves in a way that cuts off their dependence on other nations for that source.”

— Caroline Baxter, Director, Converging Risks Lab, Council on Strategic Risks (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The head of the United Nations is expected to make a major speech on Monday arguing that the Iran war demonstrates the need for countries to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

The takeaway

The Iran war has exposed the vulnerabilities of the global energy system's heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with some experts seeing an opportunity for countries to boost domestic renewable power to enhance energy security. However, there are concerns that nations may instead turn to dirtier alternatives like coal, undermining long-term climate goals, as has happened in the past during energy crises.