IMF Downgrades Growth Projections for Middle East and Central Asia

• The IMF has downgraded its growth projections for the Middle East and Central Asia due to the US-Iran conflict.
• GCC countries are expected to face negative overall growth in 2026, with Oman being the exception.
• Jihad Azour, IMF’s Director for Middle East & Central Asia Department, discussed the regional outlook with Bloomberg.
• The Iran war and the Ukraine-Russia conflict are creating a 'multidirectional squeeze on world agriculture', potentially leading to a food security crisis.
• The energy crisis in Iran has redefined energy security for investors, highlighting the importance of systems-level thinking and long-term investment.