The Middle East Conflict: No Easy Way Out
From CommBank View: Economics & Markets by LiSTNR
March 31, 2026 · 28 min · Season 2 · Episode 4
About this episode
The episode discusses the ongoing Middle East conflict and its implications for global markets with insights from experts.
The Middle East conflict has entered its second month, but is a resolution any closer or are markets underestimating the risk of a prolonged war? Host Mandy Drury speaks with CommBank Senior Geo-Economics Analyst Dr Madison Cartwright about why a quick end to the conflict remains unlikely despite ongoing claims of progress. From the resilience of the Iranian regime to the lack of alignment between US, Israeli and Iranian objectives, they explore why the conflict risks becoming a drawn-out strategic stalemate. Dr Cartwright explains how disruptions to key energy routes and infrastructure are already impacting oil, gas and broader commodity markets, and why further escalation remains a real risk. He also outlines why a diplomatic solution remains out of reach, what it would take to end the conflict, and why the global economy may continue to feel the impact. Plus, CommBank’s Samara Hammoud shares the key focuses for markets in the week ahead. Important Information This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the…
People in this episode
Host: Mandy Drury
Guest: Dr Madison Cartwright
Topics covered
- Middle East conflict
- geoeconomics
- energy markets
- diplomatic solutions
- strategic stalemate
Keywords
- Middle East conflict
- oil markets
- gas markets
- commodity markets
- diplomatic solutions
- Iran
- US
- Israel
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: CommBank, Global Economic & Markets Research, Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Places: Iran, US, Israel
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