IMF: Middle East conflict could stall global growth and spark inflation

The IMF warns that a protracted war in the Middle East could slow global growth to as little as 2% this year and push inflation above 6% next year, driven by higher energy and food prices and rising interest rates; the impact would hit emerging markets hardest, while the U.S. could stay relatively insulated, with energy-importing regions like Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa facing higher balance‑of‑payments risks and hundreds of millions potentially facing hunger.