Escalating tensions in Iran: McMaster experts available

Hamilton, ON, April 7, 2026 – The situation in Iran carries high stakes for regional and global stability as well as for the global economy. Rapid political shifts, the risk of further confrontation and uncertainty around critical energy corridors are raising concerns about oil supply, consumer prices and the broader economic ripple effects.

Colin Mang, assistant professor of economics, can discuss the economic impact of the war, including the potential effects on global oil markets, inflation and consumer prices. He can be reached at colinmang@mcmaster.ca

Henry Giroux, chair for scholarship in the public interest, can speak about the language of war being used by political leaders and offer insight into the broader consequences for Canada and global stability.

He has recently written an op-ed for The Conversation Canada on how Donald Trump’s use of confrontational war rhetoric frames foreign policy as spectacle. He can be reached at girouxh@mcmaster.ca

Behrouz Bakhtiari, assistant professor of operations management, can discuss the economic fallout from the Strait of Hormuz closure. As a  supply chain expert, he can comment on the ongoing impact on countries, consumers and businesses.

In a recent Q&A, he explained why the closure of the strait will cause months of instability. He can be reached at bakhtib@mcmaster.ca