Economy
IMF: Middle East and Central Asia Economies to Contract in 2026 Due to War
The IMF forecasts the Middle East and Central Asia will contract 0.3% in 2026, a sharp downgrade from April's 1.9% growth projection, as the US-Israel conflict with Iran disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar face the steepest declines at 16.7%, 16% and 15.6%.