Iran Warns 'Ready to Launch 2,000 Ballistic Missiles'... The Moment the US Attacks, the Middle East Powder Keg Explodes | Professor Park Hyun-do, Sogang University Euro-MENA Institute

Summary

Park Hyun-do, a professor at Sogang University's Euro-MENA Institute, discusses Iran's recent protests, the resilience of the Iranian regime, and the escalating US-Iran-Israel confrontation. He argues that protests alone are unlikely to topple the regime, but that military conflict or a Hormuz Strait closure could cause a severe energy and economic shock. The main market implication is a potential oil-supply crisis that would hurt Korea, Japan, and China and spill over globally.

• Iran protests are unlikely to lead to regime change because opposition groups are fragmented.
• Iran's Supreme Leader and IRGC retain strong control over state institutions.
• US pressure and Israel's concern over Iran's ballistic missiles keep military conflict risks alive.
• Nuclear talks and possible sanctions relief remain key variables.
• A Hormuz Strait closure is seen as possible if Iran is cornered.
• Korea, Japan, and China are highly exposed to Middle East oil shipped through Hormuz.
• The speaker sees peaceful resolution as the best outcome for the global economy.