Millions face growing hunger as Iran conflict fuels food crisis: UN

The United Nations food agency has warned that the ongoing war involving Iran is driving millions more people toward severe hunger, largely due to rising energy and food costs linked to the conflict.

The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that its assessment of three vulnerable countries found that an additional 2.5 million people in Somalia, 2.3 million in Afghanistan, and 1.3 million in Sri Lanka are now struggling to secure enough food to meet their basic needs.

Earlier this year, in March, the WFP projected that as many as 45 million more people could face food insecurity by the end of June, adding to the 318 million people worldwide already experiencing inadequate access to food.

Speaking to reporters at the United Nations, WFP Acting Executive Director Carl Skau said the agency continues to stand by that forecast. He explained that food and energy prices are closely connected, and in many of the world's poorest countries, families already spend most of their income on food. As prices increase, they are forced to reduce their food consumption.

According to a WFP report released Thursday, the Middle East conflict is causing significant ripple effects beyond the region, including higher food and fuel prices and disruptions to trade. These challenges are particularly harmful in countries that are already vulnerable, where they quickly undermine food security and livelihoods.

The agency warned that these pressures are likely to worsen in the months ahead, even if tensions in the Middle East ease.

Skau also highlighted other areas facing severe food insecurity, including Sudan, Gaza, southern Lebanon, Yemen, and Haiti.

At the same time, the WFP has been forced to scale back assistance programs because of funding shortages. Skau called on donor countries and organizations to increase their support, especially for Somalia and Afghanistan, warning that failure to act could lead to devastating humanitarian consequences.