G7 ministers and central bank officials gathered Monday to tackle the economic consequences of the war in the Middle East that has sent energy prices soaring and has triggered fears for the world economy. The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February, and Tehran has hit back by targeting crude-exporting countries in the region and halting most shipments through the Gulf. The squeeze on supply has pushed oil and natural gas prices higher, with drastic knock-on effects for supply chains in multiple industries. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said the G7 was convening finance ministers, ... (full story)