The International Monetary Fund has warned that a prolonged war in the Middle East, or new disruptions to energy production, maritime trade and critical infrastructure, could place further pressure on regional economies.
Jihad Azour, director of the IMF's Middle East and Central Asia Department, said in Bangkok that the economic fallout was uneven across the region. Economies directly exposed to the conflict were facing the greatest damage, while alternative trading routes and existing buffers had offered temporary support elsewhere.
The Fund said the outlook would depend largely on a return to normal energy production and commercial transport. A more detailed regional assessment was expected on October 22.