Rising energy prices from the Iran war could help Russia pay for fighting in Ukraine

Oil and gas prices are soaring after the Iran war choked off tanker supplies from the Middle East. And that's going to put more money in Russia's government coffers that it can use to pay for its own war against Ukraine. Prices for Russia's oil have risen along with global crude prices. And the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz also has taken Qatar, a key natural gas supplier, off the market. That will increase demand for Russia's supplies. A lot depends on how long the Mideast conflict lasts. But if it goes on, Russia will see significant relief for its strained state finances and added help in paying for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.