Belcher: Imagine What a Pro-West Iran Could Mean for Global Oil

A fire blazes in the oil depots of Shahran, northwest of Tehran, on June 15, 2025. Israel and Iran exchanged fire on June 14, a day after Israel unleashed an unprecedented aerial bombing campaign that Iran said hit its nuclear facilities, "martyred" top commanders and killed dozens of civilians. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)
A fire blazes in the oil depots of Shahran, northwest of Tehran, on June 15, 2025, following an Israeli attack. If the ongoing turmoil in Iran results in a pro-Western government, it would lead to peace in the Middle East as well as a rejuvenation of the Iranian oil sector, says Jack Belcher. (ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)
JB
By
Jack Belcher, Cornerstone Government Affairs
January 16, 2026 11:41 AM CST