UN official warns of food crisis over stalled Strait of Hormuz deal

A United Nations official warned on Wednesday that parts of Asia and Africa face a potential food security crisis unless Iran and the United States agree on a plan to move fertiliser through the Strait of Hormuz. UN Under-Secretary-General Jorge Moreira da Silva stated that an agreement is critical as planting season approaches, Al Jazeera reported. [1]

The UN proposal involves establishing a UN-staffed coordination centre in Oman. According to Al Jazeera, this facility would register vessels and oversee their safe passage through the waterway. [1]

The Strait of Hormuz is a waterway positioned between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Iran lies on its north coast, while the Musandam Peninsula of Oman and the United Arab Emirates border the south. The strait spans approximately 104 miles in length, with its width ranging between 24 miles and 60 miles. [2]

Jorge Moreira da Silva warned that agricultural productivity would drop significantly without a fast resolution. Al Jazeera reported that the official emphasised the urgency for the two nations to reach a deal within weeks. [1]