The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a warning that if the conflict between Iran and its adversaries continues beyond 2027 and oil prices remain above $125 per barrel, the global economy could face further deterioration. In a statement, IMF Deputy Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, said that the IMF’s earlier forecast was not applicable to the current situation. She explained that the IMF had initially predicted that the conflict would lead to a slowdown in global economic growth and a slight increase in inflation.
Meanwhile, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed confidence in her leadership, saying that she is not a bird that can be caged and she will not resign, as she is not defeated. Arab TV Al Jazeera reported that negotiations are underway in Washington, Tehran, and Islamabad, with the parties discussing key points. US President Donald Trump claimed that if Iran had acquired nuclear weapons, the US and Israel would not exist.
Iraq has announced significant taxes on oil exports, with the Iraqi state oil company stating that discounts can be obtained for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh said that the war was the US’s choice, and its consequences are being felt worldwide. Israel has begun preparing for new attacks on Iran, following heightened tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian news agency Fars reported that two American commercial ships have become stranded in the rocky area south of the Strait of Hormuz. The US embassy in Baghdad claimed that Iranian-backed militias are planning attacks on American targets in Iraq. US President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over his health and age. General Dan Crenshaw stated that the Project Freedom is ongoing, trade and commerce are flowing, and the President has ordered the start of Project Freedom on Sunday, aimed at restoring trade and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
In the UK, growing inflation, debt burdens, and insecure employment are exploiting people, while new technology has made it easier for criminals to manipulate and control victims. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will chair an important meeting in Downing Street, attended by business, cultural, and police leaders.
Israeli security officials have also sounded the alarm over the increasing violence against Jewish settlers in the West Bank, but the situation remains unchanged, with ongoing attacks, land seizures, and blockades. Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that the Iranian foreign minister will discuss bilateral relations with his Chinese counterpart.
US President Donald Trump stated that if Iran had acquired nuclear weapons, the US and Israel would not exist. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that she is not a bird that can be caged and will not resign, as she is not defeated. Iraq has announced significant taxes on oil exports, with the Iraqi state oil company stating that discounts can be obtained for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
In other news, Indian actor Santosh Nair died in a road accident, while his wife Subhashree was severely injured. In Somalia, Pakistani fishermen trapped in the Gulf of Aden reported that 30 to 40 pirates have taken control of their boats, armed with weapons and rocket launchers.
