By Ginika Igboke
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned on April 13 that vessels carrying agricultural products must be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, cautioning that a prolonged disruption could trigger inflation spikes later in 2026.
FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero said time is running out, noting that poorer countries could struggle to access essential supplies such as fertilizers and energy inputs due to the effective closure of the strait.
“The last thing we want is lower crop yields and higher commodity prices and food inflation for the next year,” Torero said. He added that the situation could also lead to higher interest rates and slower global economic growth.
“The risks are very clear,” he said. “If we don’t accelerate action, the risks will worsen.”
Shipping Disruptions Threaten Global Supply Chains
Significant portions of the world’s oil, natural gas, and fertilizer supplies are currently unable to move through the Strait of Hormuz due to safety concerns tied to the ongoing conflict.
Iran has repeatedly stated it would restrict access to the waterway, accusing civilian vessels of supporting U.S. and Israeli military operations. Since the conflict began in late February, Iran has launched attacks on civilian shipping, including oil tankers, and carried out missile and drone strikes across the region.
U.S. Blockade and Rising Tensions
President Donald Trump and U.S. military officials have confirmed that a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports would be enforced following failed negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Pakistan.
Trump said on April 13 that 34 ships had passed through the strait the previous day—the highest number since the disruption began. He also accused Iran of demanding toll payments from passing vessels, a move he cited as justification for the blockade.
Under the U.S. plan, ships that have paid such tolls could be intercepted by the U.S. Navy in international waters.
Despite the escalation, no European or NATO allies have publicly committed to joining the blockade, prompting criticism from Trump, who suggested the alliance’s role may need to be reassessed after the conflict.
Iran Issues Retaliatory Warnings
Iranian officials have responded by warning that their military could target ports across the Middle East and pursue long-term control over the strait, which connects the Persian Gulf to global shipping routes.
A spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said maritime security in the region must be universal, warning that if Iranian ports are threatened, others in the region would also face risks.
Blockade Implementation and Maritime Advisory
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that the U.S. blockade began at 10 a.m. EDT, in line with announcements from U.S. Central Command.
According to the advisory, the restrictions apply across Iran’s coastline, including ports and energy infrastructure. However, transit through the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian destinations is not currently being blocked.
The agency noted that vessels may encounter military presence or other security measures while passing through the region. Neutral ships docked at Iranian ports have been granted a limited window to depart safely.
A Pentagon spokesperson referred inquiries to the UKMTO advisory for further details on the blockade.
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