UN: 45 million could face hunger amid Iran conflict

“The Secretary-General asserts once more that the war in the Middle East must stop,” said António Guterres in a statement issued by the UN Spokesperson’s Office in New York. 

 

He added that all Security Council resolutions regarding the end of Middle East conflicts must be implemented, including resolution 2817, which demanded an end to Iran’s attacks on neighbouring States. 

 

The World Food Programme WFP warned  that the total number of people facing acute hunger worldwide could reach record highs in 2026 if the Middle East crisis continues to disrupt the global economy.

 

Analysis by the WFP suggests that nearly 45 million additional people could fall into acute food insecurity or worse by mid year. This is particularly likely if oil prices remain above 100 Dollars per barrel adding to the 318 million people already suffering from food insecurity globally.

 

The UN report highlights that while the 2022 Ukraine crisis affected a global breadbasket the 2026 conflict involves a global energy hub. The impact however is similar because energy and food markets are closely linked Carl Skau the Deputy Executive Director of the WFP stated that if the conflict persists it will send shockwaves across the globe hitting vulnerable families who already struggle to afford their next meal.