United States President Donald Trump has said that the war on Iran is “very close to over” as Israel and Lebanon held rare direct talks in Washington, DC amid continued Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
Trump has signalled a possible second round of talks with Iran in the coming days, even as Washington enforces a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
The International Monetary Fund has, meanwhile, warned that any further escalation could tip the global economy into recession.
IMF warns of recession risk: The International Monetary Fund said further escalation in the war on Iran and continued oil market disruption could push the global economy towards recession.
IMF cuts regional outlook: The IMF lowered its 2026 growth forecast for the Middle East and North Africa to 1.1 percent from 3.9 percent, citing war-related disruptions to Gulf energy exports.
