The U.S.-Iran war is a test of Europe's energy independence from Russia, with world oil and natural gas prices rising by around $30 per cent. However, even as the war ends, miles of oil and gas pipelines from Russia to Europe lie idle. The authors argue that it makes no financial sense for the European Union to reengage Russia on oil, as there is no spare Russian oil available to cover the Middle Eastern shortfall. They also argue that many countries could benefit if Europe reengages Russia on natural gas, which will help alleviate global gas shortfalls and prices. However the trade-off between costs and benefits is difficult, as Russia's natural gas production has decreased by at least 200 billion cubic meters since leaving the European market in 2022 and not finding substitute buyers.