UN Forms Special Task Force to Ensure Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Food Crisis

Tehran: The United Nations has established a special task force to address sanctions and ensure the smooth flow of fertilizers and other critical raw materials through the Strait of Hormuz, the UN announced on Saturday.

The task force is co-led by UN Assistant Secretary Jorge Moreira da Silva and the Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services. Its creation aims to prevent disruptions in global supply chains that could worsen the humanitarian crisis in West Asia and beyond.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric warned of escalating risks of conflict in the region, particularly as shortages in food and energy drive up prices of essential goods. He emphasized that immediate action is needed to reduce the impact on vulnerable populations.

“The task force will liaise with all member states to review how this mechanism can be implemented. We hope all involved countries will support this initiative, especially for the sake of those affected,” Dujarric said.

The initiative will draw inspiration from previous UN programs, including the Black Sea Grains Initiative for Ukraine and the UN2720 Mechanism for Gaza.

Recent disruptions in fertilizer shipments and rising energy costs threaten the availability and affordability of fresh food in dependent nations. Last week, the UN World Food Program warned that if the war continues until June, 10 million people could face acute hunger.

The new UN task force represents an urgent effort to stabilize critical supply routes and mitigate the growing humanitarian crisis.