Iran war ripple effects are increasing risks of acute hunger for millions, World Food Programme chief says

Iran War’s Global Impact Escalates Hunger Crisis, Says World Food Programme Leader

Iran war ripple effects are increasing – The ongoing conflict in Iran has created a cascade of challenges, endangering the livelihoods of millions of people at risk of severe food shortages, according to Carl Skau, the acting Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP). In a recent interview with CNN, Skau highlighted how the war’s disruptions are compounding existing vulnerabilities, pushing countless individuals further into crisis. The situation is exacerbated by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has triggered a surge in fuel prices, dramatically increasing the cost of WFP operations and creating a domino effect across global supply chains.

Skau explained that the closure of the critical waterway has not only raised the price of oil but also driven up the cost of essential commodities like food and fertilizer. This has particularly impacted regions reliant on imports, such as Sudan, where fertilizers from the Gulf are crucial for crop production. With fuel prices soaring, the WFP’s ability to deliver aid has been strained, and the organization now faces the daunting task of managing resources amid skyrocketing expenses.

Global food prices have risen sharply in response to the fuel crisis, creating a dire situation for the world’s poorest populations. Skau noted that in these areas, a 20-30% increase in food costs leads to a corresponding decrease in consumption. “When the price of food goes up 20-30%, well, they eat 20-30% less,” he emphasized, underscoring the precarious balance between supply and demand in fragile economies.

Funding Cuts Deepen WFP’s Struggles

Compounding these challenges are significant reductions in funding for the WFP. The organization, which depends heavily on donations from governments, has seen its financial support plummet, with the United States—its largest donor—reducing its 2026 contribution to approximately $731 million. This marks a stark contrast to the $4 billion provided in 2024, highlighting a 40% annual decline in critical resources. “In many places, we’re already taking from the hungry to give to the starving,” Skau said, illustrating the difficult trade-offs the WFP must make to sustain its operations.

Skau, a former Swedish diplomat who assumed the acting role last week following Cindy McCain’s departure, has served as chief operating officer of the WFP since May 2023. He pointed out that the current funding situation is unlike previous crises, such as the Ukraine war or the pandemic, where international contributions typically rose in response to emergencies. “Unlike the past, there hasn’t been an uptick in support,” he explained, stressing the urgency of addressing the growing gap between needs and available resources.

Regional Impacts and Humanitarian Dilemmas

The consequences of the crisis are already visible on the ground in countries like Sri Lanka, Somalia, and Afghanistan, where aid delivery has been disrupted by rising costs and logistical hurdles. Even if the Strait of Hormuz were to reopen, Skau warned that the effects of the conflict would persist for years. “It’s going to take time to recover,” he said during the interview in Washington, DC. “We hope this conflict goes away, and that the strait opens tomorrow. But I think it’s clear that we need rich countries to step up and try to mitigate the hit on the most vulnerable from this crisis.”

Skau described a part of South Sudan where famine conditions are emerging, yet access is limited to air transport, which is costly and resource-intensive. “If we continue that air bridge, it burns a lot of resources, to the point we can’t address other parts of the country facing emergency food insecurity,” he said. This scenario reflects the tough decisions the WFP must make when resources are stretched thin, a challenge he said they have not faced before.

Humanitarian efforts in other regions are also under strain. In Lebanon, hundreds of thousands have been displaced, while in Ukraine, over 80 incidents in the last two years have damaged WFP facilities, including a warehouse in Dnipro that was struck by a missile in late May. These disruptions have further complicated the WFP’s ability to respond to food insecurity, especially in countries already struggling with economic instability. “The rising costs and funding cuts have only compounded those challenges,” Skau acknowledged, painting a picture of a world where aid organizations are forced to prioritize aid distribution in ways that may leave some populations behind.

Strategic Choices and Future Concerns

In Afghanistan, Skau observed that his team is grappling with the question of who to prioritize when resources are limited. “We don’t have resources to help all the women-headed households with children in this province,” he explained. “So, what do we do? Do we say, ‘Okay, women-headed households with more than five children?’ Well, that means those with four are not getting assistance, and we know that will have massive impacts on them.” This kind of decision-making, he said, is becoming a standard part of the WFP’s response strategy in the current climate.

Skau’s concerns are not just about immediate relief but also about long-term stability. He highlighted the US’s role in funding humanitarian efforts, noting that the country remains the largest donor to the WFP. Despite the drop in contributions under the Trump administration, Skau expressed gratitude for the current support while urging the US to “push the envelope” and encourage other nations to increase their aid. “It’s in the US interest to fight global hunger, because a hungry world is an unstable world,” he argued.

He also emphasized that there is broad consensus among Americans and global allies that children should not go to bed hungry. “I think there is agreement and consensus that children should not starve,” Skau said, reinforcing the moral imperative of the WFP’s mission. As the war in Iran continues to ripple across global markets, the organization’s ability to fulfill this mission is under unprecedented pressure. With food prices climbing and donations dwindling, the WFP is left navigating a complex web of challenges, from logistical constraints to ethical dilemmas in resource allocation.

Skau’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the interconnected nature of global crises. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has become a symbol of how regional conflicts can have far-reaching effects, from fuel costs to food security. As the organization works to distribute aid to the most vulnerable, the question remains: how long can it sustain its efforts without additional support? The answer, Skau suggested, lies in the collective willingness of wealthier nations to recognize the humanitarian stakes and act swiftly to alleviate the suffering caused by the ongoing war.

With 45 million more people projected to face acute hunger by July if oil prices remain above $100 a barrel, the WFP is in a race against time to scale its operations. The combination of rising fuel costs, funding shortages, and logistical bottlenecks has created a perfect storm for food-insecure populations. Skau’s message is clear: without urgent action, the impact of the Iran war will continue to deepen, leaving millions without the support they desperately need. “We’re not just feeding people,” he said, “we’re stabilizing communities and preventing a crisis from spiraling out of control.”