
The Iran war is "testing the resilience of the global economy," and is set to dampen economic growth this year, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said in a report released on Thursday.
Global growth is forecast to slow to 2.9% this year before edging back up to 3.0% in 2027, according to the OECD.
The unpredictable trajectory of the Middle East conflict was driving up costs and dampening demand, offsetting the positive impetus from investment in new technologies and the momentum carried over from the previous year, it said.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to energy infrastructure had caused a sharp rise in energy prices and disrupted supplies of other key materials such as fertilizer, according to the OECD.
The scale and duration of the conflict were highly uncertain, but a prolonged period of higher energy prices would significantly increase costs for businesses and consumer prices, with negative consequences for growth, the OECD said.
The "evolving conflict [...] generates significant uncertainty around global demand," it said.
In the US, growth is expected to slow from 2.0% this year to 1.7% next year, the OECD forecast, as strong investment in artificial intelligence is gradually offset by a slowdown in income growth and consumer spending.
In the eurozone, the OECD expects growth to slow to 0.8% this year before recovering to 1.2% in 2027, boosted by higher defence spending.
In China, growth is projected to fall to 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027.
The conflict was also weighing on the growth of the German economy, which the OECD said would grow by only 0.8% this year - 0.2 percentage points less than forecast in its previous economic outlook in December.
Growth of 1.5% is still expected for 2027, unchanged from the previous forecast.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
New movies to watch this weekend: See 'We Bury the Dead' in theaters, rent 'Wicked: For Good,' stream 'The Unbreakable Boy' on Starz - 2
South Carolina's measles outbreak reaches 434 cases - 3
2025 Arctic League telethon raises more than $39k - 4
Solar storms can trigger auroras on Earth. This star’s explosion could destroy a planet’s atmosphere - 5
Kansas school officials report high student illness, dismiss early
Pleasant Cycle Courses All over the Planet
The Starbucks for Life game is back, along with your chance to win a 'Bearista' cold cup. Here's how to get your paws on one.
Avoid Slam: Clearing the Street for the Eventual fate of Standard Size Trucks
Top 10 Arising Advances That Will Shape What's in store
Iran-backed militias reassert power in Iraq, proving the Islamic axis is still standing
Figure out How to Score Huge with Open Record Rewards
The most effective method to Offset Album Rates with Liquidity Needs
Wisconsin judge sends Slender Man attacker back to mental health institution after group home escape
Figure out How to Store Your Gold Ventures: A Thorough Aide safely













