The United States has accused Iran of worsening global food insecurity through its actions in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that disruptions to oil and fertilizer shipments could push millions more people into hunger, including in Nigeria and other vulnerable countries.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council open debate on food insecurity in New York on Tuesday, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs, Ambassador Jennifer Locetta, said the humanitarian impact of the disruption was being felt worldwide as conflicts, rising costs and climate-related shocks continued to deepen food crises.
She said Iran’s attacks in the Strait of Hormuz had obstructed nearly a quarter of global oil trade and about one-third of global fertilizer trade, driving up fuel prices and threatening food production in developing regions.
“The World Food Programme (WFP) projects that an additional 45 million people could fall into acute food insecurity as a result of the worsening situation,” Locetta said.
She added that higher energy costs were eroding food security gains in conflict-affected areas such as Syria and Gaza, while fertilizer shortages could reduce agricultural output across sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and parts of Southeast Asia.
The ambassador specifically cited Nigeria, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) among countries expected to face mounting food pressures if fertilizer supplies remain constrained.
Locetta noted that more than 16 million people in the DRC currently require food assistance, with armed groups continuing to attack civilians and obstruct humanitarian access, even as an Ebola outbreak compounds the crisis.
She also described Sudan as the world’s largest humanitarian emergency, alleging that parties to the conflict have used access to food as a weapon of war.
The U.S. called on all parties in Sudan to allow the rapid, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance.
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Beyond conflict, Locetta warned that climate events such as El Niño could push tens of millions more people into acute hunger, underscoring the need for stronger international cooperation.
She reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to tackling global food insecurity, announcing more than $1 billion in U.S. assistance to UNICEF and the World Food Programme to support humanitarian relief, nutrition and food security programmes.
“The United States is also exploring measures to address global fertilizer shortages and remains committed to supporting vulnerable populations affected by conflict and natural disasters.
“We will not abandon the needy or leave them to suffer hunger, whether the result of conflicts or natural disasters,” Locetta told the Security Council.
