Iran War

From energy price spikes to shipping restrictions and supply chain disruptions, the onset of war in the Middle East has resulted in almost-immediate rippling effects around the world. Low- and middle-income countries, already exposed to shocks, face energy emergencies, food insecurity, fertilizer shortages, health risks, declining remittances, and more.

CGD experts are analyzing developments and assessing options policymakers have to mitigate impacts on vulnerable countries.

More from the Series

Blog Post

CGD Podcast: The Lasting Impact of the Middle East War for Low- and Middle-Income Countries with Mohamed El-Erian and Judy Woodruff

June 25, 2026
CGD Board Chair Mohamed A. El-Erian speaks with renowned journalist Judy Woodruff about the Middle East War’s impacts on low- and middle-income countries, including how governments can best respond to shocks, implications for the global economy, and what to watch for in the months ahead.

Jun

18

2026

HYBRID
9:30—10:30 AM ET | 2:30—3:30 PM BST

What the Middle East War Means for Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Fireside Chat with Mohamed A. El-Erian

et al.
June 02, 2026
Amid ongoing efforts to secure a durable resolution to the Middle East War, the longer-term economic effects around the world must be assessed and addressed. Mohamed A. El-Erian, Rene M. Kern Professor at the Wharton School, Chief Economic Adviser at Allianz, and Board Chair-Elect at the Center for ...
Blog Post

Doing the Right Thing at a Cost: Africa’s Response to the Oil Price Shock

May 13, 2026
The Middle East war has triggered a sharp contraction in the oil supply that passes through the Strait of Hormuz, driving up global energy prices and forcing governments across the world to choose how much of that cost to pass on to households. Their responses have diverged markedly. Because energy ...
Blog Post

CGD Podcast: What Does the Iran War Mean for Low- and Middle-Income Countries? With Liliana Rojas-Suarez and Catherine Pattillo

April 13, 2026
CGD's Clemence Landers, Liliana Rojas-Suarez, and Catherine Pattillo look at how the Iran war compares to recent shocks like COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, how governments are responding—from fuel subsidies to rationing and currency interventions—and where the pressure is most acute, including in ...