Live: IMF warns of protracted war and renewed unrest as biggest threat to Middle East

Live: IMF warns of protracted war and renewed unrest as biggest threat to Middle East

The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday that the protracted war in the Middle East, and the resulting disruptions to energy production, shipping lanes and vital infrastructure, are all factors that pose the greatest risk to the economies of the Middle East and Central Asia. The fund urged countries to rebuild reserves, focus on price stability, tighten monetary policy and adopt prudent financial policies, expecting a contraction in 2026 and then an increase in the growth rate until 2027. In terms of a military conflict, the Saudi-led coalition announced the interception and destruction of a UAV in the eastern region of the kingdom.