UN warns Iran conflict could trigger global hunger crisis via Strait of Hormuz disruption
The United Nations warned on 14 May 2026 that disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz linked to the Iran conflict could trigger a global hunger crisis within weeks if fertiliser supplies are blocked. Food prices are already at a three-year high, and fertiliser costs critical for agriculture have rocketed. Aid agencies fear prolonged disruption could push tens of millions more people into hunger.
The United Nations warned on 14 May 2026 that disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz linked to the Iran conflict could trigger a global hunger crisis within weeks if fertiliser supplies are blocked.
"The UN warns that if fertilisers cannot pass through the Strait of Hormuz within just a few weeks, the world could face mass starvation," the organisation said in a statement. It cautioned that the consequences could be severe if shipping disruptions linked to the Iran conflict drag on.
Food prices are already at a three-year high, while fertiliser costs critical for agriculture have rocketed. Aid agencies fear a prolonged disruption could push tens of millions more people into hunger. For vulnerable economies already struggling with debt and high import costs, the risks are growing fast.
The warning comes as the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global energy and commodity shipments, has seen reduced traffic amid the ongoing conflict. The UN assessment highlights that the disruption of fertiliser shipments, in particular, poses an acute threat to agricultural production in importing nations, potentially compounding existing food price pressures.