The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a stark warning regarding the potential economic fallout from the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel. In its latest report, the IMF highlighted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for global oil and gas exports, could lead to a major energy crisis. The IMF presented three scenarios for global economic growth, with the most severe predicting a decline of 1.3 percentage points, potentially pushing growth down to 2%, which is the threshold for a recession. Under this scenario, oil prices could soar to $110 per barrel this year and $125 in 2027. The IMF also noted that the economic impact would be felt more acutely in emerging markets and developing economies, which could suffer nearly double the toll compared to advanced economies. Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged the IMF's outlook, describing it as a 'dangerous moment' for the global economy, with expectations of slower growth and higher inflation. The IMF cautioned against broad fiscal measures such as price caps and subsidies, recommending instead that any fiscal support be narrowly targeted and temporary to avoid worsening inflationary pressures.