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According to some people (*cough* Kissinger *cough*), Europe harboured hopes that the USA and the Soviets would lead WW3 "over their heads". CONUS and Russia nuke each other while Europe is spared. Obviously this required a sizeable ASB intervention.

However with the rising importance of the Middle Eastern oil, the Persian Gulf became a vital geostrategic region.

The Carter-Doctrine only shows how important the Gulf really was for the United States.

For the discussion lets assume a TL where the Iranian Revolution was a communist one. The People's Republic of Iran then joined the WP.

Also no Gorbi and the Soviet economy isn't in the dire straits of OTL. The economy functions well enough, to prevent the military decay that plagued the Soviets IOTL.

So somwhere between 1985-1991 the Soviets decide, that control over the oil reserves is the only way to continue being a Superpower. An offensive in Europe will most likely trigger nuclear war and NATO is well prepared for any feasible Soviet plan. They decide to prepare a conventional offensive and the necessary infrastructure to gain control over the Saudi Arabian oil fields.

Would it be feasible to (mostly) "limit" WW3 to the Middle East? Basically a scenario where Europe is secondary theater or sees no active fighting at all.

How would such a WW3 play out ?
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