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The interconnected wars in Ukraine and Iran have created a new era of global conflict, with major powers backing adversaries and the dynamics of the two wars directly impacting one another.NYCTodayAs the wars in Ukraine and Iran drag on, the world is witnessing the return of a new era of global conflict. The two large-scale regional wars have become theaters for strategic competition between major powers, with Russia and the United States backing each other’s adversaries. The dynamics of the two conflicts are directly impacting one another, from oil prices to military capabilities, and have drawn in additional countries, creating an interconnected web of global crises.
Why it matters
The escalating conflicts in Ukraine and Iran represent a dangerous new normal of rising global tensions and military confrontation. The willingness of major powers to embrace military force as the primary means of exerting influence, combined with the interconnected nature of the two wars, raises the specter of a full-blown world war emerging from these regional conflicts.
The details
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the U.S.-led war against Iran were driven by different motivations, with Putin seeking to expand Russian influence and Trump aiming to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, both conflicts have become expressions of the great power competition underway, with Russia and the U.S. backing each other’s adversaries. The wars have had direct impacts on one another, from the financial windfall for Russia from higher oil prices to Ukraine sharing its drone defense expertise. Additional countries have been drawn into the fray, further entangling the global dynamics.
- The war in Iran began on February 28, 2026.
- A fragile ceasefire between the U.S./Israel and Iran was reached last month.
The players
Vladimir Putin
The president of Russia, who sought to expand Russian territorial reach and regain land in the Russian sphere of influence.
Donald Trump
The former president of the United States, who stated that Iran cannot be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon as a key objective of the U.S. war against Iran.
Russia
A major power backing Iran against the U.S. and providing support such as targeting information and drones.
United States
A major power backing Ukraine against Russia and providing arms, intelligence, and planning support.
China
Enabling Russia’s war effort in Ukraine through economic and technical support.
What they’re saying
“A new normal of rising conflict had arrived.”
— Paul Poast, Author
“President Vladimir Putin of Russia sought to expand his territorial reach and regain land that — in his mind — belongs in the Russian sphere.”
— Paul Poast, Author
“President Trump has consistently said that Iran can’t be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.”
— Paul Poast, Author
What’s next
The fragile ceasefire between the U.S./Israel and Iran remains tenuous, and the war in Ukraine continues to rage on. Analysts will be closely watching for any escalation or breakdown of these ceasefires, which could further inflame the interconnected global conflicts.
The takeaway
The escalating wars in Ukraine and Iran have created a dangerous new era of global conflict, with major powers backing adversaries and the dynamics of the two wars directly impacting one another. This raises the specter of a full-blown world war emerging from these regional crises, underscoring the need for diplomatic solutions to de-escalate these interconnected global conflicts.
