STRAIT OF HORMUZ — The World Food Programme (WFP), a United Nations agency, warns that the conflict between the United States and Iran is placing millions at risk of hunger. The Strait of Hormuz remains nearly closed, preventing oil tankers from completing their routes.

The conflict began on February 28, and the United States and Iran are engaged in indirect negotiations to end it, though talks have stalled. The WFP said, "The continuation of the conflict's effect on oil prices has profound implications for global food security." Households in Afghanistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka face higher fuel costs, increased food prices, income losses, and trade disruptions.

Projections in March indicated 45 million people could face acute food shortages if oil prices remained at $100 per barrel through June. The WFP stated, "While globally food prices, as measured by the Food and Agriculture Organization Price Index, have only seen a slight increase so far, substantial food price rises are already being felt in fragile countries." The WFP stated that the crisis is generating spillovers, particularly through fuel, food price and income shocks and trade disruptions. The agency added, "As these factors interact with preexisting vulnerabilities they quickly translate into visible impacts on food security and livelihoods."

Approximately 17.4 million people in Afghanistan could be affected by food shortages. An additional 2.5 million people in Afghanistan may be unable to afford a basic food basket. Prior to the conflict, approximately 13.8 million people in Afghanistan were food insecure. In Somalia, approximately 6.5 million people are expected to face severe hunger in 2026, representing about one-third of the country's population. An additional 2.5 million people in Somalia may be unable to afford a basic food basket. Projections indicate up to 1.3 million people in Sri Lanka may also be unable to meet basic food needs. Afghanistan and Somalia rely on imported energy and food.

The WFP expects to serve 1.5 million fewer people in 2026 than originally planned. The agency warned, "If the conflict continues for six months, more than 9 million people could lose assistance, driven by a combination of higher operational costs and rising local food prices."

No independent assessment of World Food Programme’s claims was available.