Gulf Petrostates Increase Crude Exports Over US-Iran Tensions

Regional and Global South outlets focus on how the US-Iran clash could shake world markets and push up living costs, especially in import-dependent countries. They describe a wave of public anxiety, including social media talk of 'World War 3', and detail how the crisis built up step by step. Many reports stress that a prolonged conflict would hit currencies, stock markets and government budgets far from the Middle East.

• •Finance officials in Asia, including Hong Kong, are preparing for more market swings linked to the Iran attacks.
• •Commentators in South Asia and Latin America warn that higher oil prices would worsen inflation and strain public finances.
• •Regional coverage traces how earlier tensions and failed diplomacy between Washington and Tehran led to the current strikes.
• •Social media users across several countries are openly fearing a slide into a world war after the US-Iran escalation.
• •UN debates show sharp disagreement between the US, Israel and Iran over who is responsible for the crisis and how to stop it.