The Inside Story Podcast What are the global risks of turning energy sites into battlefields?
Mar 20, 2026
Mohsen Baharvand, former Iranian ambassador to the UK with diplomatic insight; Jim Walsh, MIT security specialist on deterrence and escalation; John Sfakianakis, Gulf Research Center chief economist on regional energy markets. They discuss strikes on energy and desalination sites, how regional states are caught between Iran and the US, risks of conflict escalation, and lasting impacts on global oil supply and prices.
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Fight For Survival Expands Targets
- Wars framed as fights for survival widen targets beyond the immediate belligerent.
- Jim Walsh says U.S. calls for regime change make Iran treat the conflict as existential, prompting strikes on regional hosts of U.S. bases.
Negotiations Interrupted By Attacks
- Mohsen Baharvand recalls negotiations being underway before an attack halted talks.
- He says talks were 'in reach' and an attack during negotiations undermined prospects for a settlement.
Duration And Intensity Drive Energy Damage
- Duration and intensity determine economic damage when energy infrastructure is attacked.
- Jim Walsh warns prolonged or intensified strikes on production (not just shipping) cause lasting global supply and price shocks.