The push for conflict with Iran wasn't just about nuclear threats but a calculated move. By controlling the Strait of Hormuz, the US could cut off China's primary oil source, forcing them into economic concessions and shoring up the US dollar.

The recent conflicts in Iran and Venezuela can be framed as a covert economic war against China. Since China buys 90% of Iran's oil and relies on Venezuela's supply, US actions disrupting these nations directly target China's energy security and serve as a tool of economic containment.

Protests in Iran, if they disrupt the regime, could halt cheap oil flows to China. This would force China to buy from more expensive, US-friendly markets, strengthening the US dollar's global dominance and isolating anti-Western powers without direct US intervention.

Due to sanctions, Iran's oil exports go almost exclusively to China. This monopsony gives Beijing immense leverage, allowing it to demand deep price discounts and pay in yuan. The funds are held in Chinese banks, restricting Iran to using them only for Chinese goods, crippling its ability to buy essentials elsewhere.

The predicted US military action in Iran serves a dual purpose. After shutting down oil from the Strait of Hormuz, Trump will leverage China's dependence on that oil. He will offer to reopen the spigot only if China assists in secularizing Iran and removing its uranium, using economic pressure to achieve geopolitical goals.

The move against Iran is not just a regional conflict but part of a grand strategy to disrupt the China-Russia-Iran-North Korea axis. By attempting to cut off China's access to cheap oil from Iran and Venezuela, the goal is to weaken China’s economic rise, even at the risk of global instability.

The US is disrupting China's oil supply from Iran and Venezuela (which accounts for ~20% of its imports) to gain a stronger negotiating position ahead of major talks. This frames the conflict as a geopolitical chess move rather than just a regional issue.

U.S. foreign policy actions against Venezuela and Iran are not primarily about democracy but are strategic moves to disrupt the flow of cheap, sanctioned oil to China. By controlling these sources, the U.S. can directly attack a key adversary's economic and military engine.

Since the U.S. is a net oil exporter, controlling massive reserves like Venezuela's is less critical. The real power now lies in controlling the flow of oil to adversaries like China, which is dependent on imports and could be crippled by a supply cutoff.