All articles tagged with #iran conflict
Pope Leo XIV condemned warfare in a social media post, saying God does not bless conflicts and that lasting peace comes from dialogue rather than military action. The message, seen as a rebuke of religious rhetoric surrounding the US-Israel strikes on Iran, follows ongoing criticism of the war and echoes his previous calls to avoid invoking faith to justify violence.
The latest U.S. inflation report shows a 0.9% monthly rise in March and 3.3% year-over-year, driven by a surge in energy costs tied to the Iran conflict. Core inflation held steady, but economists warn relief may be slow as oil disruptions ripple through prices, complicating the administration's economic messaging ahead of midterm campaigns.
Pope Leo XIV condemned using religion to justify military action and said God does not bless conflict, urging patient coexistence and dialogue over war amid tensions surrounding Iran.
US consumer prices rose 0.9% in March to 3.3% year over year, driven by a sharp energy surge (gasoline +21.2%); core inflation gained 0.2% for the month and 2.6% year over year. The data mirror a mixed economy: Q4 2025 GDP was revised down to 0.5%, the ISM prices index jumped to 70.7 in March, and consumer confidence hit a record low, but payrolls rose by 178,000 and the unemployment rate fell to 4.3%. With inflation showing momentum and energy shocks continuing, the Fed faces a difficult trade-off between tightening to curb prices and not destabilizing the labor market, as analysts warn the next CPI could remain sturdy due to energy-driven price pressures.
The University of Michigan’s April survey shows U.S. consumer sentiment dropping to a record low (index 47.6) with one-year inflation expectations rising to 4.8%. Analysts attribute the decline to worries about energy prices tied to the Iran conflict, noting most interviews were completed before the April 7 ceasefire; sentiment could improve if supply disruptions ease and gas prices moderate.
Rising energy costs linked to the Iran war are prompting price hikes across several industries. Delta and other carriers have raised baggage fees, USPS is adding an 8% package surcharge, and major shippers like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS have introduced fuel or logistics surcharges. United and JetBlue also raised bag fees, while Southwest announced baggage increases. The energy shock comes as oil and gas prices rise and supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted, fueling broader inflation concerns as the Fed remains cautious and OECD projects higher inflation ahead.
Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat tells Euronews NATO is not obligated to intervene to reopen the Strait of Hormuz despite US pressure and Trump’s ultimatum; NATO emphasises a defensive role and says allies were not consulted on the Iran conflict, while a broad coalition works to secure the waterway amid limited vessel passage and a fragile ceasefire.
Sir Keir Starmer argues Britain must become more resilient to global shocks—promoting energy independence and domestic reforms (renewables, stronger workers’ rights, and scrapping the two-child benefit cap)—as he visits the Gulf and discusses securing shipping routes amid a fragile Iran ceasefire and rising UK energy prices.
Delta, United and JetBlue have raised baggage fees as jet-fuel costs surge amid the US-Israeli campaign against Iran; Delta increases first/second bag fees by $10 (to $45 and $55) and makes a third bag $200, while United’s fees rise to $45 for the first bag booked ahead (or $50 last-minute) and $55–$60 for the second bag; JetBlue also hikes fees on a sliding scale. The move comes as fuel prices in major hubs climb from about $2.50 to roughly $4.81 per gallon, with carriers citing evolving global conditions. Despite the cost pressures, Delta projects about $1 billion in pre-tax profit for the June quarter.
Eurozone inflation rose in March as energy costs surge due to the Iran conflict, putting the ECB in a bind between raising rates to curb inflation and avoiding further pressure from higher energy prices, while governments weigh subsidy support and voters push for protection.
Asia-Pacific stocks swung in volatile trade as oil prices retreated following a WSJ report that Trump is willing to end U.S. hostilities with Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed; regional indices mixed and U.S. bourses slipped for a third straight session as investors weigh potential de-escalation against the risk of a protracted conflict.
Rob Schneider urged reinstating a two-year mandatory military draft for 18-year-olds, with options to serve overseas or at home, arguing it would unite Americans and instill discipline. The piece notes the draft ended in 1972 and that men 18–25 must register with the Selective Service; the White House says a draft isn’t currently planned, though options remain on the table amid tensions with Iran.
US equities have fallen about 7.4% since the Iran conflict began, exceeding the 6.1% median drawdown seen after prior geopolitical shocks, according to Deutsche Bank analysis cited by MarketWatch. With the VIX above 30 signaling elevated fear and both discretionary and systematic investors trimming exposure, the market could face more downside if volatility remains elevated.
As the Iran conflict drags on, oil spikes and Treasury yields rise after weak auctions, with stocks, bonds, gold and even crypto sliding, leaving investors with few havens and a scramble for cash as volatility surges.
Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt convene in Islamabad to press for de-escalation in the US-Israel confrontation with Iran, as President Trump weighs possible U.S. ground involvement; the expanding war has disrupted Hormuz shipping, pressured oil markets and drawn in regional actors with casualties on multiple sides.