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Top Oil CEOs Raise Alarm as Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates
Top Oil CEOs Raise Alarm as Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates
18 tháng 6 2025
As tensions between Israel and Iran intensify, top executives in the global oil industry are voicing serious concerns about the potential impact on energy markets, supply chains, and prices.
Rising Risks for Global Energy Security
CEOs from TotalEnergies, Shell, and EnQuest warned in interviews with CNBC on Tuesday that any further attacks on vital energy infrastructure could have severe consequences for the stability of global oil supply.
The warnings come in the wake of Israel’s surprise strike on Iranian military and nuclear sites last Friday, which triggered a series of retaliatory actions and four days of escalating warfare between the two regional powers.
While some oil and gas facilities have been damaged, critical pipelines and energy hubs have thus far been spared. However, the possibility of a major disruption—especially in the Strait of Hormuz—remains a serious threat.
Shell CEO: “The Last 96 Hours Have Been Very Concerning”
Speaking at the Energy Asia conference in Kuala Lumpur, Shell CEO Wael Sawan emphasized the level of uncertainty facing the global energy system:
“The last 96 hours have been very concerning—not just for the region, but for the broader global energy landscape given the backdrop of rising geopolitical volatility.”
Sawan noted that Shell has a “significant footprint” in the Middle East, both in terms of operations and energy shipments. Navigating the current crisis is, in his words, “top of mind” for the company’s leadership.
Oil Prices Rise on Security Concerns
Oil prices moved higher on Tuesday, building on recent gains.
Brent crude futures for August climbed about 3% to $75.41 per barrel.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for July delivery rose 2.7% to $73.74.
The energy market is reacting to what many traders see as the most critical geopolitical event since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
TotalEnergies Prioritizes Safety of Regional Staff
Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies, highlighted that the company’s top concern is the safety of employees in the Middle East, where it operates in Iraq, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
“We are the largest international oil company in the region. If strikes hit oil installations, the consequences could be disastrous—not just for safety but for the global market as well.”
Pouyanné stressed the need to avoid military escalations that could target energy assets.
Strait of Hormuz: A Global Oil Lifeline Under Threat
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea, is one of the world’s most vital oil transit routes. Any disruption here—even temporary—could spike global prices, increase shipping costs, and create delays in supply chains.
Some shipowners have already begun re-routing vessels to avoid the region.
Still, analysts believe Iran may not attempt a full closure, citing physical and geopolitical constraints that could make such a move unfeasible.
EnQuest CEO: 2025 Is “The Year of Volatility”
Amjad Bseisu, CEO of UK-based EnQuest, described 2025 as “the year of volatility” and noted that markets are now seeing a constant wave of new geopolitical shocks.
“The Israel-Iran conflict is yet another escalation. The quicker we reach an end to this conflict, the better for markets. That said, supply seems balanced for the short to medium term.”
Conclusion: A New Phase of Global Energy Uncertainty
As the Israel-Iran conflict escalates, global oil leaders are preparing for a potential phase of prolonged energy insecurity. With key oil routes and regional facilities under threat, market volatility is expected to persist in the months ahead.
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