The Foreign Desk The war in Iran: the global fallout
8 snips
Mar 21, 2026 
Mark Leonard, director and author on geopolitics, warns the rules-based order is fracturing. Isabel Hilton, China analyst and professor, explores Beijing’s energy and strategic moves. Kurt Volker, former NATO ambassador, discusses transatlantic strategy and NATO strains. Oleksiy Gonchorenko, Ukrainian MP from Odesa, explains how the Iran conflict reshapes Ukraine’s security and Western support.
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Iran Conflict Is Reshaping Global Order
- The US-Israel assault on Iran has global ripple effects beyond direct combat, affecting energy supplies, alliances and the rules-based order.
- Andrew Muller outlines risks: hits on nine countries, oil-price shocks, strain on NATO cohesion and potential erosion of international norms.
Ukrainian MP Sees Russia As Short-Term Winner
- Oleksiy Goncharenko reports from Odessa that Iran-related fighting indirectly benefits Russia by raising oil prices and reducing sanctions pressure.
- He cites depleted US munitions and a Shahid-drone attack on Odessa that overwhelmed defences overnight.
End Middle East Fighting To Preserve Ukrainian Defences
- Do prioritise ending the Middle East conflict quickly to free up Western air-defence and missile resources for Ukraine.
- Goncharenko warns US Patriot systems used in the Gulf can't simultaneously be delivered to Ukraine, increasing city vulnerability.
