The War in Iran started on Feb. 28, when the United States carried out strikes throughout the country and assassinated Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
As the war continues to develop across the Middle East, we sat down with Georgia Southern political science professor Jacek Lubecki about how the conflict started and the impacts on Americans if it continues.
The pretext for the current conflict began decades earlier.
The current government of Iran was formed after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, led by Ayatollah Khomeini. “The government is headed by religious clerics,” Lubecki said. “Iran’s government is hostile to the U.S. and other Western influences in the region.”
Transitioning to the present-day, the country hasn’t been immune to conflict. A twelve-day war broke out between Iran and Israel in June of 2025, before a ceasefire deal was reached between the two nations. Protests against the Iranian government also broke out in January of this year.
Since the war began, it has turned into a regional conflict, with countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and Qatar being targeted by Iranian and U.S. forces.
“Factors for why the U.S. is going to war with Iran now, have a lot to do with failed nuclear weapon negotiations,” Lubecki said. “Regional security in the region could also be another underlying factor.”
As the war progresses, oil infrastructure in the region has been used as a pawn in the broader conflict. Oil refineries in Iran and the Gulf states have been subject to attack, and the Strait of Hormuz was closed by Iran. 20% of the world’s oil passes through the Strait, which in turn has surged global oil prices.
“Americans will be affected by this conflict if it continues because we are the biggest consumers of oil in the world,” Lubecki said. “Oil prices will continue to rise which will also lead to rising prices and inflation.”
Travelling may soon become more expensive as the war continues, as rising jet fuel prices start hitting consumers.
The George-Anne Media Group will continue coverage of the conflict as it develops.
Live updates on the war can be found here.
