Published on April 15, 2026

The Middle East crisis has entered a dangerous new phase. After the collapse of high-level US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad, the United States imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. In response to the ongoing war, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — the strategic chokepoint responsible for nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies — has been severely disrupted, although Iran has not closed the strait.

The economic impact is already substantial: sharp volatility in energy markets, reduced oil supply forecasts, rising fertilizer and commodity prices, and serious warnings from the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) about the risk of triggering a global food crisis.

Organized by SDGAi (Strategic Dialogue for Global Affairs Initiative) and MEPEI (Middle East Political and Economic Institute) from Bucharest, Romania, with the support of IPIS (Institute for Political and International Studies) from Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the webinar will bring especially Iranian perspectives on this rapidly evolving situation.

Distinguished guests will share their analysis of the latest developments, including the US port blockade, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the economic repercussions of the conflict, and prospects for de-escalation and dialogue.

The distinguished main guests and speakers are:

• His Excellency Dr. Alireza Khodagholipour, Director General, Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
• His Excellency Dr. Hamidreza Nafez Arefi, former Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Budapest and Senior Expert at IPIS

alongside renowned Romanian experts.