US-Iran war threatens major disruption to global economy

When faced with the fragility of the fossil fuel supply chain, the appeal of nuclear energy becomes undeniable. But nations must realise that true energy security lies not in a single source, but in a resilient and diverse portfolio, writes Professor Datuk Dr Ahmad Ibrahim.

The war in the Middle East is already signalling serious economic consequences. At the heart of this crisis lies a hard truth – the world remains deeply dependent on fossil fuels.

A major disruption to the oil and gas supply chain is not a question of if, but when. Each conflict sends shockwaves through global markets, exposing how tightly economies are bound to politically volatile regions.

This latest escalation is more than another news cycle. It reinforces a long-standing reality – that global growth remains tied to a resource vulnerable to instability, conflict, and geopolitical pressure.

Calls to reduce this dependence are no longer confined to environmental activists. They are now echoed across financial markets, policy circles, and corporate boardrooms. The shift is no longer ideological, but driven by necessity.

In this reassessment, nuclear energy is re-emerging as a serious option.

Its appeal is clear. Nuclear power is dense, reliable, and largely insulated from the geopolitics that shape fossil fuel supply chains. It offers consistent baseload power – something renewable sources such as solar and wind still struggle to guarantee without advanced storage solutions.

This renewed interest reflects a pragmatic response to risk. Energy independence is increasingly seen as a matter of national security.

For many countries, nuclear power presents a viable path forward. It offers a carbon-free alternative that could reduce reliance on unstable regions. However, any shift towards nuclear energy must be approached with caution.

The issue of radioactive waste remains unresolved. Long-term storage and environmental risks continue to pose serious challenges.

Safety and proliferation concerns also persist. While modern reactors are safer, they are not without risk. The spread of nuclear technology, even for civilian purposes, carries the danger of diversion for military use.

Cost is another major constraint. Nuclear plants require significant capital investment and long development timelines. In a world facing urgent climate and energy pressures, speed matters.

The current crisis should not push nations towards a single solution. Instead, it should drive a more balanced and resilient approach.

Nuclear energy can play a role, but it cannot stand alone. A sustainable strategy must combine renewable energy, improved storage, greater efficiency, and, where appropriate, safer nuclear technologies.

True energy security lies in diversity.

The war is a stark reminder of global vulnerability. It should also serve as a catalyst – an opportunity to build an energy system that is more resilient, sustainable, and secure.

The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not represent that of Twentytwo13.