Global economy at risk of recession if Iran war persists, warns IMF — 14 April 2026 (LINK)

— In its World Economic Outlook report, the IMF said in a worst case scenario — where oil, gas and food prices spike and remain high this year and next — global growth could fall below 2% in 2026.

— "This would mean a close call for a global recession which has happened only four times since 1980," it said, the most recent being during the Covid pandemic.

JD Vance defends Trump amid spat with Pope Leo: 'Stick to matters of morality' — 14 April 2026 (LINK)

President vs. Pope: Trump posts pic of self as Jesus, Pope says warmakers have "hands full of blood" — (LINK)

Trump claims the Jesus-like image he posted was meant to depict him as a doctor — (LINK)

Fresh Iran talks could begin this week as US continues blockade on ports — 14 April 2026 (LINK)

Dow futures drop 500 points (1.1%) after Trump announces Strait of Hormuz blockade as talks fail — 13 April 2026 (LINK)

— "Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz," Trump said in a post to his social media platform Truth Social . "The Blockade will begin shortly. Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade. Iran will not be allowed to profit off this Illegal Act of EXTORTION."

Pope Leo says he does not fear Trump, citing Gospel as he pushes back in feud over Iran war — 13 April 2026 (LINK)

— History's first U.S.-born pope stressed that he was not making a direct attack against Trump or anyone else with his general appeal for peace and criticisms of the "delusion of omnipotence" that is fueling the Iran wars and other conflicts around the world.

Joint Statement by the Heads of the International Energy Agency, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank Group: "it will take time for global supplies of key commodities to move back towards their pre-conflict levels — and fuel and fertilizer prices may remain high for a prolonged period given the damage to infrastructure" — 13 April 2026 (LINK)