According to Al-Jazeera’s report on March 11, 2026, Hamid Reza Gholamzade, head of the Iranian think tank Diplohouse, warned that any military intervention directed at Iran might spark a widespread regional war, resulting in serious consequences for the global economy.
During an interview with Al Jazeera from Tehran, Gholamzade stated that Iran has a right to defend itself against outside dangers, highlighting that previous alerts about potential conflicts had been overlooked.
“Countries nearby will feel the effects, along with others worldwide, yet the reality is that American bases are present here, used to carry out attacks on Iran, and Iran must take action to protect itself,” Gholamzade expressed. He argued that Tehran views its defense measures as critical not only for its own security but also for maintaining stability in the broader region.
Gholamzade indicated that a vital part of Iran’s defense approach is safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz, an essential waterway through which a significant amount of global oil trade passes. He asserted that the protection of Iranian territory is closely related to regional security, which subsequently influences the stability of international energy markets.
“Iran’s security is interconnected with the region’s security, and they affect one another,” Gholamzade noted. “The protection of Iran guarantees the safety of the global economy. This is a truth that everyone needs to understand.”
The analyst cautioned that any aggressive moves against Iran would have repercussions that reach beyond its own borders. “If Iran is attacked, the entire world will incur the costs; it will experience the fallout from a conflict with Iran,” he insisted, stressing the potential for economic upheaval and worldwide political turbulence.
Gholamzade also remarked that Iran’s right to self-defense is consistent with international law, particularly when foreign military personnel are positioned close to Iranian territory. He mentioned that continuous threats toward Iran could provoke retaliation that might involve neighboring nations, impacting global trade, energy resources, and economic stability.