Energy production in West Asia may take up to two years to return to pre-war levels after the US-Iran conflict, Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher reported, citing the International Energy Agency (IEA).
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol told the Swiss newspaper that recovery timelines will vary across the region depending on each country’s generation capacity and infrastructure resilience.
“In Iraq, for example, it will take much longer than in Saudi Arabia,” Birol said, highlighting the uneven pace of recovery among major oil-producing areas. Citing IEA estimates, he said it would take “around two years in total” for Middle East production to return to pre-war levels on February 28.
The IEA expects more flight cancellations
According to the newspaper, Birol said more flight cancellations were likely. He also predicted continued supply chain disruptions and a renewed push for a return to nuclear power.
Founded in 1974, the International Energy Agency is an international energy forum comprising 29 industrialized countries within the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Ceasefire negotiations in Iran
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper during which he discussed the Iran ceasefire and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported, citing US State Department chief spokesman Tommy Pigott.
The two sides addressed the urgent need to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and ensure that commercial vessels can safely pass through the route and that global energy supplies continue to flow without interruption.
The ceasefire agreed between Washington and Tehran is currently set to expire on April 22.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said it remained uncertain whether the ongoing ceasefire with Iran would be extended, although he expressed optimism about diplomatic progress, with both sides exploring a potential deal to end the conflict. The next round of negotiations could take place over the weekend.
“We’re doing very well. I can tell you, it might happen before that. I’m not sure if it needs to be extended. Just so you know, Iran wants to do a deal and we’re doing very well with them. We have to have no nuclear weapons. If so, that’s a big factor and they’re willing to do things today that they weren’t willing to do two months ago,” the president said two months ago in response to Trump’s response.
He also added that the United States is currently focused on striking a deal with Iran, suggesting that progress in the talks could make an extension unnecessary, according to ANI.
US forces have imposed a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said U.S. forces are actively enforcing a large-scale naval blockade targeting vessels entering or leaving Iran’s ports and coast. According to ANI, more than 10,000 personnel are involved in the operation, supported by a dozen naval vessels and more than 100 aircraft deployed along key waterways in the region.
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Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to hold a virtual meeting of world leaders to discuss efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and secure key shipping lanes, CNN reported.
Leaders from around 40 countries are expected to attend the summit, specifically to bolster a fragile ceasefire involving Iran and ensure safe passage through a key maritime corridor, the agency said.
(with wired inputs)
