Iran war

Dutch small businesses are calling on the government to take urgent action to reduce high energy and fuel costs. Many firms are passing on rising expenses to customers, while others risk losses as fuel prices reach record levels.

On Sunday, hundreds of people gathered to protest against military conflict in Iran and the country’s current leadership. The demonstrators called for a democratic future while rejecting both the current religious regime and the return of the monarchy.

Tensions in the Middle East continued to influence financial markets on Friday. The AEX closed slightly higher as rising oil prices and takeover speculation around Besi trading. Meanwhile, companies warned that the conflict highlights Europe’s need for greater energy independence.

The war in Iran is acting as a major brake on the Dutch economy, with Rabobank warning that growth will slow across every sector as energy and transport costs climb. Manufacturing, construction, and transport are expected to be hit hardest, potentially seeing growth stall or even shrink if oil prices reach $150 per barrel. While the healthcare sector remains resilient due to an ageing population, a shift toward more cautious consumer spending is likely to hurt retailers and the hospitality industry, as geopolitical uncertainty forces both businesses and households to tighten their belts.