Here are the latest events on Tuesday related to the war in the Middle East, as a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States has held for a week:
. IMF revises downward its 2026 growth forecasts for the Middle East and eurozone
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) significantly revised its growth forecasts on Tuesday due to the war in the Middle East.
Global growth is at risk of being limited to 3.1%, compared to the organization’s initial projection of 3.3% in January. The IMF’s worst-case scenario predicts a 2% growth rate, which is low – and rare – on a global scale. The United States is expected to be among the countries least economically affected by the conflict.
. Two ships from Iranian ports crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Monday despite the U.S. blockade
At least two ships from Iranian ports crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, despite the American military blockade that came into effect at 2:00 PM GMT, as reported on Tuesday by the maritime data company Kpler.
The Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Christianna crossed the strait after unloading corn at the Iranian port of Bandar Imam Khomeini, passing near the Iranian island of Larak around 4:00 PM GMT on Monday. The tanker Elpis, flying the flag of the Comoros, also crossed the strait around 4:00 PM GMT.
. Macron says he called Trump and Pezeshkian to “resume negotiations”
French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Tuesday that he had spoken the day before with his American counterpart Donald Trump and Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, urging both leaders to “resume the interrupted negotiations” between the United States and Iran.
. Israel says it wants peace with Lebanon
“We want to achieve peace and normalization with the Lebanese State (…) There are no major disputes between Israel and Lebanon. The problem is Hezbollah,” said Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar during a press conference.
. Ten Israeli soldiers wounded in combat in Lebanon
The Israeli army announced on Tuesday that ten of its soldiers had been injured, including three seriously, in clashes against the pro-Iranian Islamist movement Hezbollah in the town of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, where an assault was launched.
. EU concerned about possible kerosene supply issues
The European Commission expressed concern on Tuesday about potential supply difficulties of kerosene to Europe in the near future due to the war in the Middle East.
“At present, there are no fuel shortages in the European Union, but supply difficulties could arise in the near future, especially for kerosene, the main cause of concern,” stated Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen.
. British minister criticizes the “folly” of a war without an exit plan
British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves denounced on Tuesday the American “folly” of engaging in a war “without a clear exit plan” in the Middle East, which is affecting “families worldwide.”
