NAVIGATING GEOPOLITICAL STORMS: THE IRANIAN CONFLICT’S IMPACT ON GLOBAL AND THE RESILIENCE OF SSC MODELS

Abstract

The ongoing conflict in the Iranian region has triggered a systemic crisis within global logistics, characterized by the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz and the destabilization of transcontinental maritime and air-cargo corridors. These geopolitical shocks have exposed the inherent vulnerabilities of extended, hyper-globalized supply chains, manifesting in volatile energy prices, increased lead times, and compromised "just-in-time" delivery frameworks. This paper investigates the transition from traditional globalized logistics toward Short Supply Chain (SSC) business models as a strategic imperative for both operational resilience and sustainable development. By prioritizing geographical proximity and reducing intermediation, SSC models mitigate exposure to geopolitical volatility while simultaneously reducing the carbon intensity of transport activities. Through a systematic analysis of current trade disruptions and a conceptual evaluation of localized sourcing, this study argues that the adoption of SSCs represents a fundamental shift toward an economically and environmentally sustainable mobility framework. The research concludes that shortening supply chains is a critical mechanism for future-proofing logistics against the increasing frequency of global geopolitical and climate-driven disruptions.