Renewed conflict between U.S., Iran will cause more hunger, refugees: Dutch FM

Renewed fighting between the United States and Iran is raising concerns about worsening food shortages and a new wave of refugees. Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma said the situation is deeply concerning.

“It is extremely worrying that fighting has started again,” Sjoerdsma, a member of the D66 party, said during a trade mission in Shanghai. He warned that the conflict could lead to more hunger and displacement, De Telegraaf reports.

The war, which broke out in February, has left the Strait of Hormuz largely closed. The important shipping route carries about 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies. It is also a major route for fertilizer shipments, according to the minister.

Months without fertilizer shipments through the strait are already causing problems in parts of Africa and Asia during the planting season. “That means something for this year’s harvest,” Sjoerdsma said. “And if it continues for much longer, it will affect next year’s harvest as well.”

The disruption could lead to more hunger and force people to flee their homes. Sjoerdsma said major aid organizations are already seeing people in Africa and Asia leave their communities.

Some are moving beyond their own regions. Aid organizations are warning of what they call a “perfect storm,” according to Sjoerdsma.