According to multiple reports, the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Iran's counterattacks on several countries in the Middle East have quickly had repercussions on the world economy. Since the attacks began nearly a week ago, Iran has closed the important Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the oil consumed annually passes. Qatar has stopped exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for at least a month after the country was attacked by Iranian drones. The gas price has shot up. There is currently a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US, but the Strait of Hormuz remains closed after the US also chose to initiate a blockade.
Prime Minister Kristersson said the government is monitoring the situation hour by hour. He noted that the war in Iran has been ongoing since the end of February and the conflict has had consequences for large parts of the world, including Sweden. During the press conference, the government informed about the consequences for Sweden and possible measures going forward. Kristersson pointed out that it is not a time to just hope for the best in Sweden, but that it is important that Sweden does things right. "We have preparedness and room to act, not least economically," he said. "There is quite a lot that Sweden cannot influence. We do not control peace or war in the Middle East, just to state the obvious."
We have preparedness and room to act, not least economically.
There is quite a lot that Sweden cannot influence. We do not control peace or war in the Middle East, just to state the obvious.