UN warns Hormuz disruption could trigger food emergency

In a joint statement led by Bahrain, dozens of countries called for the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as negotiations between the United States and Iran remain stalled.

Antonio Guterres told the Security Council the organisation should support an emergency framework proposed by the International Maritime Organisation.

Guterres warned of severe global consequences, saying, “These pressures are cascading into empty fuel tanks, empty shelves, and empty plates.”

“I appeal to the parties: open the strait; let ships pass; no tolls, no discrimination; let trade resume; let the global economy breathe,” he added, cautioning that prolonged disruption could trigger a global food emergency affecting millions, particularly in Africa and South Asia.