The United Nations has warned that tens of millions of people could face hunger and starvation within weeks if fertiliser shipments are not allowed through the Strait of Hormuz (the narrow waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula that carries roughly a third of the world's fertiliser supply), which Iran has effectively shut. Jorge Moreira da Silva, head of a UN task force on the looming crisis, told reporters: "We may witness a crisis that will force 45 million more people into hunger and starvation." The World Trade Organisation has also flagged fertilisers as its top concern, as the standoff between Iran and Western powers — compounded by Donald Trump's rejection of Tehran's peace proposal — shows little sign of resolution.