S17EP2: Developments in the Middle East - Analysing the Global Impact

Welcome back to The Firm Analyst, listeners. In this episode, we unpack the fast‑moving fallout from the latest escalation in the Middle East. After US–Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian attacks across the Gulf, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global oil flows. Retaliatory strikes have also hammered regional civilian infrastructure and hit airports beyond the immediate conflict zone. We look at how a near‑20% jump in Brent, widening credit spreads and renewed dollar strength are feeding through to inflation, shipping, aviation routes and investor risk appetite. We then dig into what this means for M&A and financing deals, from material adverse change and force majeure clauses to business‑continuity planning for firms on the ground.It goes without saying, this is a truly unfortunate set of circumstances and my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. As someone with ties to the Middle East as well, I pray that this can be resolved as quickly as possible and that peace will prevail.