The United Nations announced the formation of a task force to maintain trade flow through the Hormuz Strait, where maritime commerce has been disrupted by the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said immediate action is essential to reduce the conflict’s impact. The task force will be led by Under-Secretary-General Jorge Moreira da Silva.

According to the UN, the initiative will draw inspiration from previous mechanisms such as the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the UN2720 mechanism for Gaza. The task force will engage with all relevant member states to determine how best to implement the plan, with the UN urging broad support to protect populations already affected by the conflict.

Experts warned that disruptions in fertilizer supply and rising fuel prices could further increase food costs in vulnerable countries. The World Food Programme cautioned that if the Iran war continues through June, tens of millions of people could face severe hunger.