Hormuz crisis raises risk of shortages and hunger

The United Nations has announced the establishment of a working group to develop a mechanism aimed at ensuring the smooth flow of trade through the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes in response to disruptions caused by the war in Iran, which the organisation says are increasing the risk of food shortages and humanitarian crises worldwide.

‘Immediate action is necessary to mitigate these consequences,’ said spokesman Stéphane Dujarric. The project will be led by UN Deputy Secretary-General Jorge Moreira da Silva. The task force is to draw on previous initiatives such as the grain deal for Ukraine and the Gaza aid mechanism.

The UN plans to engage with interested member states to identify practical solutions and secure support for the proposal. At the same time, it notes that the current situation is already affecting populations in multiple regions.

UN experts warn that disrupted fertiliser supplies and rising energy prices could drive food prices sharply higher, particularly in vulnerable countries. There is also a risk of a longer-term decline in food availability at a time when many countries are still recovering from earlier global crises.

The UN World Food Programme has warned that tens of millions of people could face acute hunger if the conflict in Iran continues into June.

Iran’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ali Bahraini, later wrote on the social network X that they would facilitate and accelerate the delivery of humanitarian aid across the Strait of Hormuz at the UN’s request.

(reuters, max)