A US-Iran war could push oil to $150, crash stock markets, and spike global inflation. Shipping costs may rise 50 per cent, hitting importers like India hard.

‘US vs Iran’: What would it mean for the world economy?

Iran's 2026 protests, sparked by economic collapse and inflation, have spread to 185 cities. Unlike 2022, traditional merchants have joined the unrest. With many confirmed deaths and a total internet blackout, the regime faces its toughest challenge yet.

What is really happening? How this 2026 Iran protest is different

Amid mounting rhetoric and repeated threats of military intervention from US President Donald Trump, Iran’s parliament speaker warned that Tehran would consider US bases ‘legitimate targets’ in the event of American military action in Iran.


Iran warns US military, commercial bases would be 'legitimate targets' if Washington intervenes

US sanctions on Iran are failing as Tehran utilises a 'ghost fleet' and Chinese buyers to export 1.7 million barrels of oil daily. By bypassing the US dollar and using ship-to-ship transfers, Iran generated $43 billion in 2024, proving old economic weapons ineffective.

'US vs Iran': Why sanctions no longer work the way they once did

In January 2026, U.S.-Iran tensions have pushed WTI oil to $59, but a record 3.8 million bpd surplus limits gains. Unrest in Iran and U.S. sanctions threaten the Strait of Hormuz, risking flows to India and China.

U.S. vs. Iran: How a war could affect global oil prices