The United Nations has issued a grave warning regarding the global consequences of the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. According to international leadership, shutting down this strategic transport route poses a direct threat to the food security of tens of millions of people worldwide due to an acute shortage of fertilizers.
Scale of the Threat and Fertilizer Shortage
Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), told Japanese media about the catastrophic impact of the crisis. About one-third of global fertilizer trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz. A complete blockade of this waterway leads to a global deficit of agricultural chemicals, which could leave approximately 45 million people facing severe food shortages. According to UN experts, this humanitarian catastrophe could be avoided if about 5 to 7 fertilizer-carrying vessels were allowed to pass daily, separating this issue from broader peace and cease-fire negotiations.Stands of the Parties and Political Deadlock
Despite international appeals, the situation around the strait remains extremely tense. The United Nations insists on the need for political will from both Iran and the United States to establish a special vessel registration and monitoring mechanism. However, in practice, prospects for an agreement remain distant. Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Affairs Management announced strict restrictions on vessels following unauthorized routes, while US President Donald Trump publicly announced the rejection of Iran's plan to reopen the maritime route within seven days.Contradictory Data
In covering the current crisis, certain discrepancies arise regarding timelines and diplomatic steps. While UN officials emphasize the technical readiness of monitoring and registration mechanisms for humanitarian cargo given political volition, the statements of US and Iranian leaders demonstrate diametrically opposed approaches to the conditions for resuming navigation. Washington and Tehran continue to link the strait issue with comprehensive negotiations, which contradicts the UN's stance that fertilizer deliveries must be insulated from political confrontation.