The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says it may provide between $20 billion and $50 billion in emergency financial assistance to vulnerable economies affected by the ongoing Middle East conflict involving Iran.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said demand for balance-of-payments support is expected to rise due to spillover effects from the crisis, including supply chain disruptions and surging energy prices.
She warned that food insecurity linked to transport bottlenecks and higher costs could affect at least 45 million people, even if a ceasefire holds. Georgieva added that infrastructure damage, reduced investor confidence, and supply shocks would likely slow global growth.
The remarks were delivered at the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, where policymakers discussed the economic fallout of the conflict.
The crisis has disrupted shipping routes and pushed oil prices higher, with analysts noting that low-income energy-importing countries face the greatest risks due to limited fiscal space.
The IMF said it would revise its 2026 global growth forecast downward and expects inflation to rise as higher oil, gas, and fertiliser costs feed into food prices.
The World Bank earlier projected that economic growth in the Middle East, excluding Iran, could slow to 1.8 per cent in 2026, down from four per cent previously.
Officials said coordinated international support may be required to stabilise economies and address rising food security concerns.
