IMF forecasts 3 percent global growth for 2026 despite Middle East war

The International Monetary Fund said the global economy remains on track for growth of about 3 percent in 2026 despite the continuing war in the Middle East and the energy price shock. According to EcoIran, an IMF spokesperson said that with about six months of war having passed, oil and gas prices remain elevated and the energy shock has not ended, but the global economy has so far shown considerable resilience. The 3 percent forecast, issued in July 2026, is below the 3.5 percent average growth of 2024 and 2025. Global public debt has reached about 100 percent of GDP, the highest level since World War Two. The IMF also said it is reviewing the effects of new US sanctions on Iran, including secondary sanctions on third country companies working with Tehran, with results to appear in its next World Economic Outlook report at the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok from October 12 to 18.