UN food agency warns Iran war risks acute hunger for millions
World Food Programme Acting Executive Director Carl Skau told CNN that ripple effects from the war in Iran are worsening global hunger and pushing millions toward crisis-level food insecurity, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz drives up fuel costs and disrupts humanitarian operations worldwide.
World Food Programme Acting Executive Director Carl Skau told CNN on Wednesday that the war in Iran is exacerbating global food insecurity, warning that millions of vulnerable people now face crisis-level hunger as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz drives up operational costs and commodity prices worldwide. The agency, which relies on voluntary government contributions, has seen its operational budget stretched to breaking point by the dual pressures of rising logistics expenses and declining donor support, according to the network.
Supply chain disruptions
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sharply increased fuel costs, complicating the UN agency's logistics while driving global food prices upward. The blockade has also disrupted fertilizer shipments from the Gulf region, threatening crop production in countries including Sudan. These pressures compound an already dire situation as the agency struggles to maintain delivery schedules amid soaring transportation expenses.
Funding crisis
The WFP confronts severe funding shortages, with contributions from its largest donor, the United States, plummeting from more than $4 billion in 2024 to approximately $731 million for 2026. "In many places, we're already taking from the hungry to give to the starving," Skau said, adding that in the poorest nations a 20-30% food price increase translates directly to reduced consumption. The agency warned in March that sustained oil prices above $100 per barrel could push 45 million additional people into acute hunger.
Global implications
Skau stated that impacts are already materializing in Sri Lanka, Somalia, and Afghanistan. Even if the Strait of Hormuz reopened immediately, "it's going to take time to recover," he said, adding that wealthy nations must step up contributions to mitigate the crisis's effects on the most vulnerable populations. The WFP previously warned that 45 million more people could face acute hunger if oil prices remain above $100 per barrel.
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