War in Iran Shakes Energy Markets, Sparking Calls for Renewable Energy

UN chief urges countries to embrace clean energy as a way to reduce vulnerability to fossil fuel shocks.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The ongoing conflict in Iran has disrupted global energy markets, with soaring fuel prices and supply chain disruptions. Some experts believe this crisis could provide a powerful argument for countries to accelerate their transition to renewable energy sources that are less vulnerable to geopolitical shocks. However, others warn that nations may instead turn to even dirtier fossil fuels like coal in a bid for energy security, as happened after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Why it matters

The turmoil in the Middle East highlights the global economy's heavy reliance on fossil fuels, where conflicts in key producing regions can send shockwaves through energy markets worldwide. UN Secretary-General António Guterres argues that homegrown renewable energy offers an 'exit ramp' from this vulnerability, allowing countries to power themselves in a more stable and sustainable way.

The details

Bombed refineries, disrupted shipping channels for oil and liquefied natural gas, and skyrocketing fuel prices have some experts hoping this crisis will spur even reluctant leaders to embrace a cleaner, fossil-free future. However, others note that similar speculation emerged after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, only to see some European nations replace gas with dirtier coal instead. The head of the UN will make the case on Monday that the current turmoil demonstrates the need to transition to renewable energy, which 'cannot be blockaded or weaponized'.

  • The UN climate conference known as COP30 recently ended in Brazil without even mentioning the words 'fossil fuels'.
  • Under former President Donald Trump, the US did not participate in the Brazil climate meeting.

The players

António Guterres

The United Nations Secretary-General, who is urging countries to turn to clean energy that can be less vulnerable to the shocks of fossil fuels.

Rob Jackson

A Stanford University climate scientist who tracks global emissions of carbon dioxide and is dismissive of the idea that the current energy crisis will spur a rapid shift to renewables.

Michael Oppenheimer

A Princeton climate and international affairs professor who believes emissions reduction will be dealt with largely unilaterally by individual countries in the near future.

Caroline Baxter

The director of the Converging Risks Lab at the Council on Strategic Risks in Washington, who believes the conflict could provide an opportunity for countries to 'power themselves in a way that cuts off their dependence on other nations' for fossil fuels.

Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz

An energy analyst at IEEFA Europe who expects the war will lead to more solar panels and heat pumps being installed in the coming months.

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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. The resources of the clean energy era cannot be blockaded or weaponized.”

— António Guterres, United Nations 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, Princeton climate and international affairs professor (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 of the Converging Risks Lab at the Council on Strategic Risks (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The war will likely lead to a surge in the installation of solar panels and heat pumps in the coming months, as countries seek to reduce their reliance on imported fossil fuels.

The takeaway

The ongoing conflict in Iran has exposed the global economy's vulnerability to disruptions in the fossil fuel supply. While some see this as a pivotal moment to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, others warn that nations may instead turn to even dirtier sources like coal in a bid for energy security, as happened after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The outcome will have major implications for the fight against climate change.