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The ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has created a significant disruption in the global helium supply chain, affecting approximately one-third of worldwide production. This critical resource, essential for both medical diagnostics and advanced manufacturing, faces unprecedented challenges as shipping restrictions and production halts impact markets worldwide.The disruption stems primarily from Qatar, the world's largest helium producer, which accounts for about 63 million cubic meters of the roughly 190 million cubic meters of helium produced globally annually. Following Iranian attacks on Qatari energy infrastructure, QatarEnergy has announced a 14% annual reduction in helium exports, citing damage to its LNG facilities that also produce helium as a byproduct.The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, has seen traffic nearly grind to a halt after Iranian officials announced new transit restrictions. This waterway serves as the primary export route for Qatar's helium, with no viable alternative maritime outlet available.The impact of this helium shortage extends across multiple sectors. MRI machines, which rely on helium's unique cooling properties, face potential operational delays, while the semiconductor industry—a cornerstone of modern technology—also depends on this irreplaceable resource for chip manufacturing. South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China stand as the most vulnerable economies, being the largest consumers of Gulf-sourced helium.Market analysts project that helium prices could surge by 10-50% depending on the duration of the supply disruption, with buyers lacking long-term contracts experiencing the most immediate price increases. The medical industry, in particular, has been attempting to develop alternatives, including helium-free MRI technologies and helium recycling systems, though most current systems remain dependent on liquid helium.The United States, as the largest global helium producer at over 40% of worldwide supply, cannot fully compensate for the Gulf shortfall. Even North American consumers face challenges, with major distributors like Airgas already cutting shipments by half and parent company Air Liquide reallocating its supply chain to access helium from other regions.This helium crisis represents the fifth significant supply shortage since 2006, highlighting the vulnerability of global supply chains for critical industrial materials with no artificial substitutes. The situation underscores how geopolitical conflicts can have far-reaching consequences beyond traditional energy markets, potentially impacting healthcare accessibility and technological innovation worldwide.

The recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East has sent shockwaves across South Asia, affecting millions of families who depend on remittances from their loved ones working in the Gulf nations. The war between the US and Israel on Iran has resulted in a significant increase in tensions, with Iranian attacks on Gulf neighbours causing widespread fear and uncertainty.For Jaya Khuntia, a father from India's Odisha state, the conflict has brought unimaginable tragedy. His 25-year-old son, Kuna, a pipe fitter in Qatar's capital Doha, died of a heart attack after hearing the sound of missiles and debris from interceptions falling near their residence. Kuna's death has left the family in debt and despair, with their hopes of paying off a 300,000-rupee ($3200) loan for the marriages of their two daughters shattered.Migrant workers from South Asia, totaling nearly 21 million people in the Gulf nations, are often engaged in blue-collar work, building or supporting the industries and services that drive the Gulf's success and prosperity. However, they are also among the most vulnerable, with many working in areas targeted by Iranian attacks, such as oil refineries, construction areas, airports, and docks.The suspension of work at many of these facilities, coupled with fears of a major economic downturn in the region, has left many workers and their families worried about the future of their jobs. Experts warn that remittances from the Middle East, a crucial economic backbone for South Asian nations, could be significantly affected, especially if Gulf economies contract and layoffs follow.For Hamza, a Pakistani migrant laborer working at an oil storage facility in the UAE, the conflict has brought a sense of fear and uncertainty. He witnessed a drone attack on a storage unit and was shaken by the experience. Despite the dangers, he said leaving is not an option, as his family depends on him.Imran Khan, a faculty member at the New Delhi Institute of Management, said migrant laborers from South Asia are often driven by desperation to take up jobs in the Middle East. He warned that these workers are the worst affected during crises, whether war or natural disasters.As the conflict continues, many South Asian workers are planning to return home. Noor, a migrant worker from Bangladesh employed at an oil facility in Saudi Arabia, said he no longer feels safe and plans to return home once his contract ends. His family, too, is deeply affected, with his children crying every time they call him, scared for his life.

Following Donald Trump's recent claims that the US is engaged in 'strong talks' to end the war with Iran, Qatar took the unusual step of publicly distancing itself from any alleged diplomatic negotiations. The Gulf state's government spokesperson Majed al-Ansari explicitly stated, 'Qatar was not involved in any mediation efforts,' adding pointedly, 'If they exist.'This represents a significant departure from Qatar's traditional role as a chief mediator in Middle East conflicts, having previously facilitated negotiations between Israel and Hamas, the US and the Taliban, and peace deals in Lebanon and Sudan.Over the past three weeks, Gulf states have found themselves on the frontlines of the conflict after their mediation efforts to prevent war were ultimately rejected by the US. The pattern of broken negotiations is particularly telling: the US attacked Iran twice during talks aimed at halting the Iranian nuclear program, which were championed by Oman. Discussions last June were halted as the US and Israel conducted strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, and revived talks in February were similarly undermined when Trump began bombing Tehran before the final round of meetings.Since the war began, Gulf states have been forced to spend billions defending against daily Iranian missile and drone attacks, with their economies and sovereignty suffering substantial damage. Analysts suggest their reluctance to engage with the alleged ceasefire efforts reflects both the heavy toll of continued warfare and lingering suspicion about whether Trump's peace initiatives are genuine or merely a pretext for further escalation.As Bilal Saab, senior managing director of advisory group Trends US and former Pentagon official in the first Trump administration, explained: 'They've been burned by their previous experience. They previously thought they played a useful mediating role – until they realised that it was all for naught. Not to mention that they have been directly implicated in the war and are still being attacked by the Iranians. So there's a lot of pent-up frustration and disappointment.'By Wednesday night, the Iranian regime had outright rejected Trump's 15-point plan to end the war, submitted to Tehran via Pakistani generals, as 'extremely unreasonable' and presented their own substantially different proposal.The concern among Gulf states is that any negotiations could become a front for military escalation or even the assassination of additional Iranian leaders. This anxiety is compounded by the simultaneous deployment of thousands of US troops to the region and the persistent fear of being used as pawns in the US and Israel's Middle East strategy.Professor Bader al-Saif of Kuwait University noted: 'Whenever the word negotiation was used by the Trump administration, we unfortunately ended up under the rubric of war.' He emphasized that while Gulf states are reluctant to engage with what they perceive as a potential Trumpian charade, they recognize the critical importance of shaping any realistic peace negotiations that could affect their future.The existential threat to Gulf economic ambitions is particularly concerning. The prospect of Trump ending the war with the current Iranian regime still in place—potentially more vengeful than before and acutely aware of the damage its missiles can inflict on multi-billion-dollar infrastructure—poses significant risks. Additionally, there remains no clear solution to Iran's effective control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which most of the region's oil and gas exports flow.Analysts suggest that beyond relying on US-led negotiations, Gulf states should pursue their own separate dialogue with Iran. As al-Saif stated: 'They shouldn't only count on the US to do the negotiation. They should go and strike a deal with Iran for themselves. This was not our war, and if we can shield ourselves from being impacted any further, we should do it to protect our own national interests.'

Israel stands as the sole nation where overwhelming public support exists for the conflict with Iran, despite the profound impact on daily life. At least 15 people have been killed and hundreds injured by Iranian missiles since the war began in February, with school closures and missile warnings becoming routine. Polling indicates that more than 90% of Jewish Israelis back the war, a figure that sharply contrasts with international sentiment.The global perspective reveals a dramatically different picture. Nearly a month into the fighting, polling shows that 60% of the US public opposes the war with Iran, and just one in four Americans backed the initial strikes. In the Gulf, Europe and Asia, the conflict is widely unpopular as severe economic consequences begin to manifest.According to Emma Graham-Harrison, The Guardian's chief Middle East correspondent based in Jerusalem, many Jewish Israelis view themselves as under siege in a hostile world since the October 2023 massacre. This perception has led many to conclude that an aggressive security policy is the only way to ensure safety, regardless of international reaction.There's a prevailing sentiment in Israel that short-term suffering will lead to long-term security, despite security experts questioning whether Israel has a clear strategy to convert tactical achievements into lasting security. Life in Jerusalem remains restricted, with many working from home and limitations on businesses from cafes to gyms.The public support for the war has not translated into improved political fortunes for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who currently lags in polls for the upcoming general elections. While there is majority support for Netanyahu's decision to launch the war and his handling of it, even among those who don't want to give him another term, his coalition faces challenges in securing enough seats to return him to power.Some Israeli supporters of the war worry that Netanyahu's push to attack Iran has jeopardized the country's crucial relationship with the United States. Historically, Israel's foreign policy has been based on bipartisan ties, but Netanyahu has effectively abandoned that approach to cultivate an extremely close relationship with Trump.Israel's isolation is becoming increasingly apparent as the conflict continues. Unlike historical precedents where Israel achieved security through negotiated agreements with Jordan and Egypt, the current approach emphasizes military power above diplomatic solutions. This isolation is reflected in the fact that Israel may be the only place in the world with broad support for this war, with populations in Lebanon and Iran experiencing the conflict as horrific.

Alireza Tangsiri, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval commander killed in an Israeli airstrike, was a veteran hardliner with a reputation for fiery rhetoric. He had a deep understanding of the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that carries a fifth of the world’s oil and gas.Tangsiri was a prominent figure in the IRGC, having won his credentials during the Iran-Iraq war and rising through the ranks to become the commander of the IRGC’s maritime force in 2018. He was known for pioneering unconventional weapons that allowed Iran to project power in the Persian Gulf and beyond.The US Treasury sanctioned Tangsiri in 2019 and 2023, citing his role in overseeing the IRGC Navy’s testing of cruise missiles and his involvement with a company that developed armed drones. These weapons could potentially be used to maintain the current blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.Tangsiri was also a strong supporter of fast boats, which can threaten civilian shipping and evade modern warship defense systems. His recent statements had dared the US to launch a ground assault on Kharg Island, Iran’s principal hub for oil exports, and warned of the impact on oil prices.The Israeli airstrike that killed Tangsiri has been seen as a significant blow to the IRGC. The commander of US Central Command, Adm Brad Cooper, said the killing “makes the region safer.” Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, described the strike as a “message” to the IRGC, vowing to “hunt you down and eliminate you one by one.”

The UK government has unveiled a new policy to prioritise British suppliers for public contracts in key sectors deemed vital to national security. Shipbuilding, steel, AI, and energy infrastructure will be the primary areas where British suppliers will be given preference. Under the new guidance, departments will be required to use British steel or justify sourcing it from overseas. This move is part of a broader effort to bolster national security and economic resilience, particularly in the face of global supply chain disruptions highlighted by the war in the Gulf. A Public Interest Test will also be introduced, obliging departments to assess whether outsourced service contracts over £1m could be delivered more effectively in-house. This test is expected to cover more than 95% of central government contracts by value. Chris Ward, a Cabinet Office minister, emphasised that these reforms aim to support British jobs, protect national security, and grow the economy. The policies are part of the National Security Strategy, which seeks to align national security with economic growth and build the resilience of British supply chains. While the UK is still subject to international obligations such as the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) – World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, national security exemptions are being utilised to implement these new rules. Larger departments spending over £100m annually will need to publish an “insourcing” strategy, outlining plans to bring services back in-house where they offer better value. The government will also prioritise community impact in buying decisions, encouraging firms to demonstrate how their bids will create local jobs and apprenticeships. Additionally, a new suite of AI tools has been developed to streamline the commercial process, making it simpler, faster, and fairer for small businesses and charities to bid for work.

The ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for about a fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies and a third of global fertilisers necessary for food production.Before the conflict, an average of 138 ships a day transited the strait. However, following the escalation, 100 vessels have exited the Gulf and only 40 have entered in the past month, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence.Despite over 20 reported attacks on ships in the region, including near-misses and damage to vessels, some ships are still attempting to cross, with Iran permitting 'non-hostile vessels' to use a 'safe corridor' in its territorial waters. This route allows Iranian authorities to visually verify vessels and potentially demand payment for safe passage.The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has raised concerns about the 20,000 seafarers stranded in stressful conditions with dwindling supplies. Over 30 countries have agreed to work together to safeguard the strait, with the UK offering to host an international security summit to devise a plan to reopen it.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a dire warning about a health crisis unfolding in real time across the Middle East, emphasizing the urgent need for a complete cessation of hostilities to mitigate the humanitarian catastrophe.Dr. Hanan Balkhy, the WHO's regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, stressed that hospitals and healthcare facilities must be treated as safe havens to protect patients and healthcare workers. The region, encompassing 22 countries and territories including Iran, Gulf states, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, is facing severe disruptions in healthcare services due to the ongoing conflicts.The violence has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, with over 1,000 people killed in Lebanon, 1,500 in Iran, and 16 in Israel, alongside reports of numerous deaths in the West Bank and Gulf Arab states. Moreover, 3.2 million people have been displaced in Iran and over 1 million in Lebanon within a month, exacerbating the crisis.Balkhy expressed deep concern about the long-term impacts on maternal mortality, mental health, and the plight of orphaned children left without education. The WHO has verified dozens of attacks on healthcare facilities in Lebanon, Iran, and Israel since the conflict began, including a recent attack on a hospital in Sudan that killed at least 70 people.The organization is also preparing for potential attacks on nuclear sites and water desalination plants, which could have catastrophic health repercussions. Balkhy urged for a significant de-escalation or a permanent pause in hostilities to prevent further humanitarian disaster.

The United States Department of State has approved a significant arms deal worth $16.5 billion to Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jordan. This move comes as tensions between the US and Iran continue to intensify. The deal includes $8.4 billion worth of arms to the United Arab Emirates, which will be used to purchase drones, missiles, radar systems, and F-16 aircraft. Additionally, the US has approved roughly $8 billion for air and missile defense radar systems to Kuwait. Jordan will receive an additional $70.5 million to cover aircraft and munition support. The State Department stated that the proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major defense partner. The UAE is considered a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. This arms deal comes amid ever-increasing tensions between the US and Iran. The administration of US President Donald Trump joined Israel in attacking Iran on February 28, prompting fears of a protracted regional conflict. The war has also caused energy prices around the world to surge. Iran has largely choked off tanker shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas travels. Gas prices in the United States have jumped from $3.10 per gallon ($0.82 per litre) on average this time last month to $3.88 ($1.02 per litre) on Thursday, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). The principal contractors in Thursday’s proposed sales will include RTX Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin Corporation. Despite the deals, all three companies’ stocks are trending downward on Wall Street. The Pentagon is seeking more money to fund the war, with the US Department of Defense seeking an additional $200 billion, according to The Associated Press. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that he was seeking a significant spending boost from Congress.