The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran is pushing millions of people towards a severe hunger crisis, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned. In an analysis released on Friday, the WFP highlighted that the war's impact on oil prices has "profound implications" for global food security.

The agency's findings suggest that earlier estimations, which predicted 45 million people would face acute food shortages if oil prices remained at $100 a barrel by the end of June, are beginning to manifest. While global food prices have seen only a slight increase according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Price Index, "substantial food price rises are already being felt in fragile countries," the WFP stated.

The WFP report detailed how the conflict is creating significant economic spillovers, particularly through fuel and food price shocks, as well as income losses and trade disruptions. These factors, when combined with pre-existing vulnerabilities, are rapidly translating into tangible impacts on food security and livelihoods.

The US-Iran war, which began on February 28, has significantly disrupted oil markets. The continued near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz has prevented oil tankers from completing their voyages. Indirect negotiations between the US and Iran are ongoing, but a clear resolution to the conflict remains elusive, prolonging its effects.

Households in countries such as Afghanistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka are identified as among the most severely affected. They are experiencing mounting pressure from increased fuel costs, soaring food prices, reduced incomes, and disrupted trade routes. These nations rely heavily on imported energy and food, making them particularly susceptible to the conflict's economic fallout.

In Somalia, an estimated 6.5 million people, approximately one-third of the population, are projected to face severe hunger in 2026. The WFP indicated that an additional 2.5 million people in Somalia could become unable to afford basic food. Projections for 2026 suggest nearly 60 percent of all Somali households may struggle to afford essential needs, a rise from 47 percent in 2025.

Afghanistan is also facing dire consequences, with the WFP reporting that up to 2.3 million more people could become food insecure, adding to the 13.8 million who were already food insecure before the war. Similarly, in Sri Lanka, up to 1.3 million people are at risk of not being able to meet their basic food requirements.

The WFP's analysis underscores the interconnectedness of global economic stability and conflict, demonstrating how geopolitical tensions can have devastating humanitarian consequences far beyond the immediate theatre of war. The agency's findings call for urgent attention to mitigate the escalating food crisis affecting vulnerable populations worldwide.