UN official urges Iran, US to allow fertilizer shipment through Hormuz

The Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services on Saturday urged Iran and the United States to immediately allow fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to prevent a global food crisis.

The UN official emphasized that while U.S.-Iran negotiations on a comprehensive deal should continue, a limited and time-bound exception for fertilizers must not wait for the final treaty.

He warned that 45 million people worldwide may face severe food insecurity and 30 million may be forced into poverty. He also said at least five fertilizer ships are needed to pass through the strait every day, and the existing UN mechanism could resume fertilizer shipment within 7 to 10 days.