Iran ceasefire brings relief, but production scars run deep A two-week pause in hostilities sent oil prices into freefall and markets soaring on 8 April. But for automotive manufacturers confronting shattered aluminium supply, elevated energy costs and deferred investment, recovery has barely begun. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Iran war strikes at the factory floor Three weeks after US and Israeli strikes closed the Strait of Hormuz, the conflict has moved from forecast to fact. Gulf aluminium smelters are shutting down, Brent crude is above $112, Toyota has cut nearly 40,000 units, and Europe's factory energy crisis is accelerating. Ilkhan Ozsevim