UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz could place an additional 45 million people at risk of famine if they are not lifted by mid-year.
Speaking to reporters at United Nations headquarters in New York City, Guterres urged all parties to reopen the strait immediately, warning that the situation is deteriorating despite a ceasefire.
He said the ongoing confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran has entered its third month, with severe consequences for global stability.
Guterres expressed concern over restrictions on navigation, describing the situation as “strangling the global economy” and warning that its impact would be long-lasting, even if access is restored.
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He added that disrupted supply chains could take months to recover, leading to higher prices and slower global economic growth.
The warning comes after negotiations between Washington and Tehran stalled in Pakistan. On 13th April, US President Donald Trump announced a blockade linked to the strait, which Iran had already restricted in early March following the outbreak of war.
The war began on 28th February when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths before a ceasefire was declared on 8th April in an effort to reach a broader agreement.
In response, Iran announced on 2nd March the restriction of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route through which around 20 per cent of global oil exports passed prior to the conflict.
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