Bloomberg: US strikes on Iran may limit Tomahawk supplies for Ukraine

US naval vessels are firing Tomahawk missiles at Iran in an effort to destroy missile launchers and factories that Tehran relies on for retaliatory strikes, making it less likely for the US to provide Tomahawks to Ukraine, an opinion piece by Bloomberg notes.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had campaigned months ago for the United States to provide Tomahawk missiles for use against Russian missile launchers and production facilities. However, Bloomberg suggests that the current U.S. rate of fire in the Gulf region makes transfers of the missiles to Kyiv increasingly unlikely.

The strategy is aimed at eliminating warheads on the ground rather than intercepting them midair, a calculation described as cheaper, safer and more efficient. Bloomberg notes that any prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz or significant damage to Gulf oil and gas export infrastructure could have broader economic consequences. 

Such disruption could revive demand for sanctioned Russian energy supplies. Tankers carrying unsold Russian oil — which had struggled to find buyers after the United States pressured India to reduce purchases from Moscow — could potentially reenter the market.

According to the analysis, a prolonged conflict with Iran could deplete US military capabilities needed to deter Russia and China, and might increase the likelihood of a ceasefire in Ukraine under terms favourable to Moscow.

By Sabina Mammadli