Smoke blankets the sky above Tehran, Iran, following explosions in the capital after the Israeli army hit Iranian targets on June 18, 2025.
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On Thursday, oil prices surged by nearly 3%. This spike follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering intensified Israeli military operations targeting Iran. As global investors monitor the situation, the specter of U.S. involvement looms large, and one must question whether our government will prioritize American interests over corporate elites.
The global benchmark for oil, Brent closed at $78.85 a barrel, its highest since January. U.S. crude oil reached a peak of $77.58.
Netanyahu’s directive is a clear escalation against the Iranian regime. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that these strikes aim to dismantle the ayatollah’s grip on power, further highlighting the moral obligation to protect our values against tyranny.
The urgency of this operation follows an Iranian missile strike on a major hospital in Beersheba. Katz’s response to this provocation underscores the necessity of decisive action. The targets now include key government positions in Iran, with Katz stating that the regime’s leadership cannot be allowed to persist.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump deliberates on the possibility of U.S. military action against Iran. His measured approach reveals a clear understanding of the stakes involved, though one can only hope he decides in favor of traditional values over corporate interests in a misguided pursuit of profits.
The White House announced that a decision on U.S. strikes could come in two weeks. The clock is ticking, and so too is the urgency of safeguarding our interests abroad.
Financial institutions like JPMorgan have warned that regime changes in major oil-producing nations can lead to skyrocketing oil prices. Natasha Kaneva, head of global commodities research, has noted that if history is any indication, destabilization in Iran could have long-lasting impacts on global energy markets. This is yet another reminder of the unpredictable consequences that government decisions can have, and how the average American feels the pinch.
As we observe these global events unfold, we are reminded of the importance of personal responsibility, traditional values, and the principles of a free market. The hand of government should not extend into the market nor dictate our energy strategies; rather, it should foster an environment where individuals can thrive independent of bureaucratic overreach.
Correction: U.S. crude oil rose $2.06, or 2.7%, to $77.20 at one point during the session. It did not close at that level.
