Iran may be where the US-led world order ends – Asia Times
Asia Times casts the Feb. 2026 US–Israel strike on Iran as a Suez-style inflection point—but key factual predicates and causal leaps are thinly sourced.
Mar 14, 2026
Sources
Summary
The article argues that a joint US–Israeli strike on Iran in late February 2026 could mark the beginning of the end of US-led global order by eroding diplomatic credibility, weakening Gulf faith in US security guarantees, and accelerating multipolar alternatives (China/BRICS). Much of the piece is analytical and speculative, but it leans on contested claims about diplomacy-at-time-of-strike, legality/authorization, and immediate regional effects without providing primary documentation.
Reality Check
A major US–Israel strike on Iran began around February 28, 2026 and has triggered significant war-powers/legal debate in the US; the article’s larger claim—that this event meaningfully ends US-led order—remains an interpretive thesis rather than a verifiable outcome.
Detail
Frames Feb. 2026 US–Israel attack on Iran as potential turning point akin to 1956 Suez Crisis.
Claims talks with Iran were ongoing in Oman when the first strike occurred (undermining diplomatic trust).
Says strike lacked US congressional authorization and UNSC approval, raising legitimacy/rules concerns.
Argues Iran retaliation hit Gulf-linked infrastructure, testing US security guarantees to Gulf monarchies.
Links US regional posture to a security-for-petrodollar bargain since the 1970s.
Cites China’s growing economic/diplomatic role, including the 2023 Saudi–Iran normalization deal.
Warns disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could spike oil prices above $100/bbl with global inflation effects.
Concludes US hegemony likely erodes gradually; 2026 events may accelerate multipolarity.