The IMF expects Middle East and Central Asian GDP to contract 0.3% in 2026, reversing its April forecast of 1.9% growth, as the US-Israel war on Iran disrupts Strait of Hormuz shipping. GDP is projected to fall 16.7% in Kuwait, 16% in Iraq, 15.6% in Qatar, 11.3% in Bahrain, 7.6% in Iran and 3.3% in