WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Although the Middle East produces a quarter of world oil supplies, it holds between two-thirds and three-quarters of all known oil reserves. For that reason the United States and the West have continued to define the region as being vitally important.

Detailed explanation-2: -About 8% of U.S. total petroleum imports and 9% of U.S. crude oil imports were from Persian Gulf countries in 2021.

Detailed explanation-3: -The oil crisis The countries which were members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), supported by the Soviets, thus forced a sharp rise in the price of crude oil, which led to a global energy crisis. Oil became a weapon in the international struggle against Israel and its allies.

Detailed explanation-4: -The President believes that no region is more fundamental to the security of America or the peace of the world than the Middle East: a free, peaceful Middle East will represent a source of promise, a home of opportunity, and a vital contributor to the prosperity of the world.

Detailed explanation-5: -Oil Embargo, 1973–1974. During the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, Arab members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) imposed an embargo against the United States in retaliation for the U.S. decision to re-supply the Israeli military and to gain leverage in the post-war peace negotiations.