Mehr News Agency, International Desk: Since the onset of the military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran, not only have the stated objectives of this operation failed to materialize, but—as acknowledged by Western officials and American media—the aggressors have faced a strategic stalemate, as well as defeats on the battlefield and in the political arena. This war, which began with extensive attacks and the killing of civilians—including innocent schoolchildren—rapidly escalated in its humanitarian, security, and economic dimensions, eliciting diverse reactions across international media.
British Media
In a report citing the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Reuters noted that the institution predicted on Thursday that economic output in the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan would contract sharply by 1.3% in 2026 due to the US- and Zionist-led war against Iran, before rebounding with 6.6% growth in 2027. The Fund warned that further disruptions to energy production could worsen the outlook. According to Reuters, the impact of the war has been significant yet uneven; oil-exporting nations—whose energy production and shipping activities have been disrupted—have suffered more, while oil-importing nations have proven more resilient.
The Fund’s baseline projection assumes that the conflict will subside by early 2027 and that trade will gradually normalize throughout that year; however, the outlook remains characterized by "exceptionally high uncertainty." The primary risks stem from potential further disruptions to energy production and trade routes, which could drive up energy prices. External financial conditions could also tighten if investors reassess the productivity gains expected from artificial intelligence, and if interest rates rise due to concerns regarding inflation and fiscal positions. Oil-importing nations proved more resilient, as domestic demand was bolstered by remittances, tourism, favorable financial conditions, and swift policy responses. Growth in the Caucasus and Central Asia is projected at approximately 5.2 percent in 2026 and 5 percent in 2027. The Fund urged policymakers to prioritize price stability, fiscal sustainability, central bank independence, and structural reforms aimed at boosting productivity and employment.
The Associated Press reported that Iran announced on Thursday that seven oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz had caught fire or sustained damage overnight—either from Iranian attacks or by striking naval mines. This significant figure comes amid growing fears of a return to full-scale war.
According to the Associated Press, concerns have mounted regarding the resumption of attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. This comes just days before Israel’s upcoming elections on October 27—in which Benjamin Netanyahu risks losing power—and ahead of next month’s U.S. midterm elections, where war-related high costs have fueled voter anger. Danny Citrinowicz, a researcher at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and a former expert on Iran within the Israeli military and intelligence apparatus, told the Associated Press that Netanyahu intends to attack Iran, and that a clear electoral victory for him would make such an attack almost certain. In contrast, Iranian state television, citing the IRGC Navy, emphasized that if the U.S. continues to escort commercial vessels through the Strait, it will target U.S. military bases in the region. According to a report by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), October saw the highest number of reported attacks on commercial shipping since March. Experts note that oil producers have found ways to keep oil flowing, though at an ever-increasing cost. Iran has also stated that while it is open to diplomacy, it will defend itself.
