Rep. Landgraf: Permian Basin Key During Iran Crisis

Lawmaker says West Texas oil production vital as global tensions rise

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February 2026 led to attacks on energy infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. This caused an immediate spike in oil prices, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumping from around $60 per barrel to nearly $80. Representative Brooks Landgraf of Texas emphasized the importance of the Permian Basin's oil production capabilities in times of international conflict and uncertainty.

Why it matters

The Permian Basin, located in West Texas, is one of the most productive oil-producing regions in the United States. Its ability to ramp up output quickly is seen as a stabilizing force when global oil supply is disrupted, as happened during the recent Iran crisis. This helps mitigate price spikes that can harm consumers at the gas pump.

The details

The U.S. and Israel carried out strikes on Iranian targets on February 28, 2026, prompting retaliatory attacks on energy infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz. This key global oil shipping chokepoint saw a reluctance from the shipping industry to transit the area, driving up crude prices. Representative Brooks Landgraf emphasized that the Permian Basin's reliable production capacity makes it a vital resource when international conflicts threaten global oil supply.

  • On February 28, 2026, U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran prompted attacks on energy infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Crude oil prices of WTI jumped from around $60 per barrel to nearly $80 per barrel following the Iran crisis.

The players

Representative Brooks Landgraf

A Texas state representative who spoke about the importance of Permian Basin oil production during the Iran crisis.

Permian Basin

A major oil-producing region in West Texas known for its ability to quickly ramp up output in times of global supply disruptions.

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What they’re saying

“We've already seen crude prices go up. The shipping industry is really being reluctant to have any of its vessels pass through that key Strait [of Hormuz] in the Middle East [which] is absolutely going to have an impact.”

— Representative Brooks Landgraf (Big 2 News)

“I think that's one reason why it's so vital that the Permian Basin is always in a position to be able to produce oil and gas, because unlike other hotspots in the world, we don't have that type of uncertainty and that type of conflict. Making sure that we can stand ready to be the top producer, when necessary.”

— Representative Brooks Landgraf (Big 2 News)

What’s next

This is a developing story, and officials will continue to monitor the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on global oil markets.

The takeaway

The Permian Basin's ability to quickly ramp up oil production makes it a crucial resource for stabilizing global energy markets during times of international conflict and uncertainty, as demonstrated by the recent Iran crisis.