The number of hungry people worldwide could rise by 45 million as a result of disrupted supply chains and changes in transport routes caused by the war in Iran and the broader Middle East conflict. This was stated by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) Director of Supply Chain, Corinne Fleischer.

She explained that due to the risks and increased insurance costs of passing through the Strait of Hormuz—where the organization’s vessels previously enjoyed humanitarian priority—routes are having to be changed. “The current situation affects not only the countries of the region but has a global impact,” she said in a message posted on X.

Fleischer cited as an example the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, where 16 million people are in need. She noted that the route through Pakistan is no longer possible due to its conflict with Afghanistan, and the Suez Canal is also unsafe. As a result, shipments must now go around the entire African continent, then through Gibraltar and the Mediterranean, via Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan to reach their destination.

“Beyond the immediate impact on supply chains, in the longer term, up to 45 million more people around the world could face acute hunger,” she concluded.