World leaders expressed relief Wednesday as the United States, Israel and Iran agreed to a temporary cease-fire, but the six-week conflict has left them grappling with economic damage and political instability. President Trump's military campaign rattled global energy supplies, domestic politics and relationships with the superpower, exposing a profound powerlessness among allies.

The war disrupted global oil and gas markets, with Iran's efforts to block shipping through the Strait of Hormuz driving fuel prices higher and forcing governments to implement costly consumer relief measures. European leaders warned that even if the two-week truce becomes permanent, the conflict has already caused deep damage to energy infrastructure and global security arrangements.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for negotiations to avert a severe global energy crisis, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned Trump's military campaign despite welcoming the cease-fire. Leaders across Europe, Asia and Australia have struggled to influence Trump's bellicose and shifting pronouncements, with many adopting public silence while diplomats work behind the scenes to secure lasting peace.