The IMF said on Thursday it was closely monitoring the Iran war and the resulting disruptions to energy production, warning that prolonged increases in energy prices could boost inflation and lower growth globally. The conflict has disrupted seaborne oil and natural gas shipments, sending Brent crude oil prices over $100 a barrel. The global lender has not received formal requests for emergency financing but stood ready to help member countries, Julie Kozack, spokesperson for the International Monetary Fund, told reporters.