On March 27, the United Nations (UN) revealed the establishment of a specialized task force aimed at addressing the humanitarian repercussions stemming from the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made this announcement as the global community grapples with the implications of this critical maritime chokepoint.

The newly formed group is set to devise a strategy for the transportation of fertilizers and essential raw materials, which are crucial in preventing a potential agricultural catastrophe, according to the UN’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.

Dujarric emphasized that the group, under the leadership of Under-Secretary-General Jorge Moreira da Silva, will concentrate on identifying and proposing technical solutions tailored to fulfill humanitarian needs within the Strait of Hormuz.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has issued a stark warning, indicating that the turmoil in the strait transcends oil disruptions, posing serious threats to food security, agricultural productivity, and global markets. FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero stated, “This situation represents not just an energy crisis, but a systemic shock to agrifood systems worldwide.”

Torero pointed out that nearly 30% of globally traded fertilizers transit through this strait, along with essential gas and oil necessary for fertilizer processing.

Dujarric noted that the task force will leverage the UN's previous experiences in forming international frameworks to tackle crises similar to those witnessed in the Black Sea, Yemen, and Gaza.

He recalled the successful avoidance of famine in certain countries during the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which had obstructed food grain shipments through the Black Sea, thanks to a 2022 agreement with Turkiye that ensured safe passage for food-laden vessels.

The framework the task force develops will be created in close collaboration with pertinent member states, maintaining utmost respect for national sovereignty and established international law, Dujarric added.

Guterres has engaged in discussions with Foreign Ministers Abbas Araghchi of Iran, Adr Abdelatty of Egypt, and Ishaq Dar of Pakistan, as well as with Permanent Representatives Michael Waltz of the United States and Jamal Fares Alrowaiei of Bahrain.

If this UN initiative proves successful, it will foster trust among member states regarding the diplomatic resolution of the conflict and pave the way for broader political agreements, according to Dujarric.

Meanwhile, on the diplomatic front, Guterres’ appointed envoy for the Iran crisis, Jean Arnault, will maintain outreach efforts among the conflicting parties, supported by the task force, Dujarric concluded.