The Middle East Conflict and Its Impact on Spain

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjOkUEmXjxc

After coordinated military strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran, tensions in the Middle East have increased. Several Iranian cities, including Tehran, were attacked with precision missiles targeting military and nuclear facilities. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at U.S., Israeli, and regional targets. This rapid escalation has increased instability in the region.

One major global concern is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow sea passage through which about a quarter of the world’s oil passes. If this route closes, energy prices could skyrocket and cause inflation . For Spain, this could mean higher costs for fuel, electricity, transport, and food.

Financial markets may become unstable, and supply chains could be disrupted. Spain could also receive more refugees if the conflict expands, which may create social and political challenges.

Spain has said it prefers diplomacy and has refused to allow U.S. military operations from its bases in Rota and Morón. The government is monitoring the situation carefully. During the Ukraine war, Spain introduced measures to reduce inflation and may consider similar actions again.

Oil prices have already risen due to the conflict. Higher fuel prices increase transport and production costs. Around one-third of global fertiliser supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The region also produces polyethylene, which is used in plastic packaging. If trade is disrupted, supermarket prices could increase.

Shipping companies are using longer routes to avoid danger. This increases fuel costs and insurance fees. These additional costs are usually passed on to consumers.

Meanwhile, political debate continues in Spain about possible sanctions and whether the government should provide subsidies  to families and businesses.

Recently, Hezbollah, a paramilitary group based in Lebanon but funded and supported by Iran, launched rockets at Israel. Israel responded with airstrikes. The Lebanese government does not have control over Hezbollah’s military actions. However , it has made it illegal for the group to have weapons and most Lebanese citizens oppose further involvement in the conflic and are very upset at Hezbollah for deciding to bring the war to their country. 

On a local level, the tension between Donald Trump and Pedro Sánchez could have several economic consequences if it continues. The United States could increase  tariffs on Spanish products, which would make Spanish goods more expensive in the US. As a result, Spain might export less food, machinery, and medicines to the American market. This could reduce profits for Spanish companies and possibly lead to job losses. At the same time, Spain could face higher costs for importing products from the US, such as energy or technology. Business uncertainty may also make companies less willing to invest, which can slow economic growth. However, because Spain is part of the European Union, the EU may help protect Spain in trade negotiations.

2. Vocabulary Match

Part 1

  1. Escalation — 1. Narrow sea passage connecting larger bodies of water

  2. Precision — 2. A general increase in prices

  3. Concern — 3. Careful observation of a situation

  4. Strait — 4. Sudden increase in intensity

  5. Inflation — 5. Great accuracy

  6. Monitoring — 6. Worry about a problem

  7. Avoid — 7. Disagreement involving fighting

  8. Instability — 8. Something with a small distance from side to side, not wide

  9. Narrow— 9. Lack of  security

  10. Conflict   — 10. To evade something from happening, to run away from something 

Part 2

  1. Supply chains — 1. Economic penalties against another country

  2. Refugees — 2. Financial support from the government

  3. Sanctions — 3. People forced to leave their country

  4. Subsidies — 4. System that moves goods from producers to consumers

  5. Skyrocket — 5.  A tax  to be paid on imports or exports.

  6. Routes — 6. Paths used for transport

  7. Transport — 7. Increase in a dramatic way

  8. Tarrifs — 8. Movement of goods or people from one place to another

3. Synonym Match

  1. Escalation — 1. Financial support

  2. Concern — 2. Watching carefully

  3. Inflation — 3. Disagreement

  4. Monitoring — 4. Rising prices

  5. Conflict — 5. Worry

  6. Disrupted — 6. Economic penalties

  7. Sanctions — 7. Interrupted

  8. Subsidies — 10. Sudden increase

4.Country Roles – Press Conference Role-Play

Choose one country:

  • China

  • Russia

  • United Kingdom

  • European Union

  • Lebanon

  • Spain

Answer:

  • What is your country’s main concern?

  • What action will you take? (diplomacy, sanctions, aid, military support)

  • What risks do you want to avoid?

Useful phrases:

  • From our perspective…

  • Our priority is…

  • We strongly believe that…

  • A serious risk would be…

5.“What Would You Do?” 

Fuel & Energy

  1. Fuel prices rise sharply. You are a daily commuter—how do you save money?

  2. Spain considers rationing fuel. You are a taxi driver—how do you respond?

  3. Public transport increases fares due to fuel costs. How do you change your travel habits?

  4. You own a petrol station. How do you communicate price increases to customers?

  5. Spain plans a temporary subsidy for fuel. You are a journalist—how do you explain it to the public?

Food & Agriculture

  1. Fruit imports from abroad are delayed. You are a restaurant owner—how do you adjust your menu?

  2. People are prioritizing their basic needs over eating at a restaurant. What can you do to attract more clients into your restaurant during a time of possible  economic recession?

Travel & Logistics

  1. Your airline cancels flights to the Middle East. You are a travel agent—how do you advise clients?

  2. Shipping costs double due to avoiding the Strait of Hormuz. You are a logistics manager—how do you adjust routes?

  3. Iberia Express suspends a key route. You are a passenger—what alternative travel options do you consider?

  4. Airfares increase because of kerosene costs. You are a tourist—do you postpone your trip?

  5. European airports increase security near conflict zones. You are a business traveler—how do you prepare?

Politics & Government

  1. Spain refuses military cooperation. You are an MP—do you support or oppose the decision?

  2. The US requests Spain’s bases for operations. You are Defence Minister—what is your response?

  3. Citizens protest Spain’s neutral stance. You are the Prime Minister—how do you respond?

Business & Economy

  1. Inflation rises in Spain. You are a bank manager—what advice do you give clients?

  2. Mortgages are affected by interest rate changes. You are a homeowner—how do you prepare?

  3. Investors are nervous about Spain’s economy. You are a financial advisor—what guidance do you give?

  4. A tech company relies on shipping from the Middle East. Costs increase—what is your alternative plan?

  5. Tourism decreases because of uncertainty. You are a hotel manager—what strategies help attract visitors?

6. Spain  Impact  

After completing, rank which impact would affect Spain the most and explain why.
Area  Impact on Spain
Energy Prices
Inflation
Tourism
Financial Markets
Migration
Political Opinion

 7 – Migration & Refugee Policy 

Discussion:

  • Would Spain receive more asylum seekers?

  • How would housing and employment be affected?

  • How would EU countries cooperate?

 8 – Role-Play Block 

A. EU Emergency Summit

Roles: Spanish Prime Minister, German Chancellor, French President, EU Commission President, NATO Representative, Spanish Opposition Leader

Debate: sanctions, military readiness, inflation control.

B. Oil Market Crisis Panel

Roles: Energy Analyst, Stock Investor, Shipping CEO, Spanish Consumer

Focus: Why citizens feel the economic shock first.

C. Refugee Planning Meeting

Roles: UN Aid Worker, Spanish Border Official, Local Citizen, Refugee

Debate: humanitarian responsibility vs capacity limits.

 9– Formal Debate  

Motion: “Europe should remain neutral and avoid deeper involvement.”

Arguments should use:

  • Economic risk

  • Security concerns

  • Moral responsibility

  • Alliance obligations

10.Emergency Case Scenarios for Spain

 Scenario 1 — Energy Shock: Spain in the Dark

🚨 EMERGENCY DECISION — You Are Advising the Prime Minister

Fuel prices have jumped 40% in two weeks. Electricity bills are doubling. News headlines warn of shortages. Public anger is rising.

If this crisis worsens, Spain could face social unrest and economic contraction.

Choose the ONE impact that would cause the MOST national damage:

A. Families struggle to pay for heating and fuel
B. Companies face sharply higher production costs
C. Public transport fares surge nationwide
D. Inflation spreads across the entire economy

Your answer: ___

⚠️ Defend Your Decision

You have 60 seconds to brief the Prime Minister:

  • Why is this the most dangerous outcome?

  • What chain reaction could it trigger?

  • What happens if the government reacts too slowly?

Explanation: ___________________________________________

🔥 Crisis Strategy Discussion

Spain must act immediately.

  • Do you freeze energy prices (risking higher public debt)?

  • Do you give direct payments to families?

  • Do you accelerate renewable energy investment?

  • Do you reduce fuel taxes temporarily?

Choose ONE urgent action and explain why delay could make the crisis worse.

🚢 Scenario 2 — Spain Cut Off from the World

📉 National Economic Shock — 3 Months Later

Exports have fallen sharply. Warehouses are full. Farmers are protesting. Car factories announce layoffs.

Spain’s GDP is shrinking. International investors are watching nervously.

🚨 Rank the Impacts from MOST DEVASTATING to LEAST

  • Loss of income for farmers and manufacturers

  • Job cuts in export industries

  • Lower GDP and national economic growth

  • Higher domestic prices due to weaker competition

⚠️ Justify Under Pressure

Imagine you are speaking in Parliament during an emergency session.

  • Which impact could trigger the biggest long-term damage?

  • Which impact could spread to other sectors?

  • Which one could cause political instability?

Your explanation: __________________________________

💶 Scenario 3 — The Inflation Spiral

💥 Breaking News

Inflation has reached its highest level in decades. Rent, food, fuel — everything costs more. Workers demand wage increases. Businesses warn they cannot afford them.

Spain risks entering a wage-price spiral.

🚨 Choose Who Suffers MOST

A. Wealthy households
B. Middle-income families
C. People on fixed incomes (pensioners)
D. Export companies

Your answer: ___

⚠️ Explain the Human Impact

  • Who feels the crisis first?

  • Who has the least protection?

  • Who could fall into poverty fastest?

Describe what daily life looks like for this group during six months of high inflation.

Explanation: ___________________________________________

🏭 Scenario 4 — Unemployment Shock

🚨 NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT CRISIS

Major employers are cutting staff. Tourism bookings drop. Factories reduce shifts. Youth unemployment begins rising again.

Families fear losing homes. Small towns fear economic collapse.

11. Emergency Role-Play — Cabinet Crisis Meeting

You have just been called into an emergency national meeting.

Choose your role:

  • Government official

  • Factory worker recently laid off

  • Small business owner losing customers

  • Economist advising the central bank

🔥 Speak as If the Crisis Is Happening NOW:

  1. How does rising unemployment immediately affect your life or responsibilities?

  2. What is your biggest fear if nothing changes?

  3. What urgent policy MUST be implemented within the next month?

  4. What happens if leaders fail to act?

Speak with urgency — imagine cameras are live and the country is listening.Scenario 5 — Diplomatic and Security Consequences

Reading:
Spain might face political pressure from allies or sanctions if it engages in or is affected by a war.

Exercise:
Debate:
Divide the class into two groups:

  • Group 1: Spain should maintain strict neutrality

  • Group 2: Spain should support its allies

Each group prepares arguments using: economic impacts, security concerns, international reputation, trade considerations.

 12 – Future Scenarios for Spain

 Groups choose one scenario:

  • Oil prices remain high for 12 months

  • Refugee numbers double

  • EU policy disagreements

  • Regional conflict expansion

Analyze:

  • GDP

  • Unemployment

  • Political stability

  • Social cohesion

Present as a Spanish news broadcast.

13. FINAL REFLECTION 

  1. Is Spain too dependent on foreign energy?

  2. Could this accelerate renewable energy investment?

  3. Is EU unity strong enough?

  4. Is peace in the Middle East realistic within 10 years?

14.Fill In The Blanks:

  1. This news was widely reported in all the media. This news ___________________________

  2. The Middle East is often the center of conflict and problems. It is a _______    for political problems.

  3. Iran attacked the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait which are _____________ of the U.S.

  4. If the price of oil is going to increase a lot and quickly following this incident, it means the price of oil will ____________________

  5. If this incident will bring a huge amount of refugees to the West, we can say it will bring an __________________ of refugees.

  6. The U.S. has the largest number of Iranians living abroad. What is the word  we use when a community of people from the same country all live in a different country? ______________

  7. There are so many Iranians living in Los Angeles and in Toronto. As a result, sometimes we say Tehrangeles and Tehranto. These names are called _________________

  8. If something bad happens but it turned out to be for the best, we can say it’s a ___________________________

  9.  Spain is not on the same   ________________      as the U.S. in this conflict.

  10. Turkey and Israel were allies but after Israel’s war in Gaza, Turkey and Israel had a ___________________________ and are no longer allies.

  11. Sunni and Shia are the 2 main ___________________________ of Islam.

  12. Many people consider Scientology to be a ___________________________

  13. Freddie Mercury was the lead singer of the rock band Queen. His parents were from India but their ancestors were from Iran. So he has Indian and Iranian ___________________________

  14. However, he was born in Tanzania. He immigrated to England when he was a child so that is where he ___________________________

  15. While in the past , some people in Lebanon supported Hezbollah, the general feeling now among the popultation is anger and frustration that the organization is deciding to interfere in the conflict when the country already has enough problems to deal with. They feel very  _______  _______   by Hezbollah

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