Three seafarers killed in Hormuz strike as UN warns of widening fallout
Three Indian Crew Members Killed in Hormuz Attack as UN Raises Alarm
Three seafarers killed in Hormuz strike - On Wednesday, an oil tanker was struck near the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the deaths of three Indian seafarers. The incident has intensified worries about global food security, fuel costs, and the stability of international supply networks.
Attack Linked to US Blockade Operations
The United States claimed the strike was part of its efforts to enforce a blockade. The Palau-flagged vessel MT Settebello was hit close to Oman’s coast, marking another escalation in tensions between the US and Iran.
“President Trump has vowed to strike Iran ‘very hard’ and take full control of its oil and gas markets,” a US official stated, highlighting the potential for further clashes.
UN Expresses Deep Concern
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres conveyed his “deep concern” over the ongoing conflict, according to a spokesperson. The agency warned that continued hostilities risk triggering a full-scale resumption of the war, with severe repercussions for the region and global markets.
“This could lead to unpredictable consequences, especially for the most vulnerable nations,” Guterres emphasized.
Escalating Threats to Maritime Safety
The UN maritime agency confirmed 14 seafarer deaths since the crisis began on 28 February, alongside 46 attacks on ships in the area. These incidents have placed thousands of workers in danger, with many enduring persistent security threats and psychological strain.
Food Security at Risk
While the Strait of Hormuz is primarily a hub for energy trade, the conflict’s effects extend to food supplies. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned that disruptions in the waterway threaten global food security.
“Closure and disruption of this critical route represent a significant risk to global food production,” said FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu.
Qu highlighted that 35% of global crude oil exports, 20% of liquefied natural gas, 20–30% of fertilizer shipments, and nearly half of sulphur exports pass through the strait. These flows are vital for maintaining agricultural output.
Experts noted that the crisis has already led to higher production costs and challenges for farmers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. As a result, decisions about crop choices and fertilizer use are becoming more difficult, potentially reducing harvests and increasing food prices.
“The greatest threat is not an immediate food shortage, but a delayed shock to fertilizer availability and agricultural output,” the FAO warned early in the conflict.
Recent data shows cereal prices rose 2.6% in May, with wheat up 3.4% and rice climbing 2.7% compared to the previous month. The UN has urged governments to maintain open trade, prevent restrictions on agricultural inputs, and ensure alternative logistics routes.
Disruptions Spill Across Regions
A UN logistics report revealed that the crisis has disrupted transport networks, ports, airspace, and fuel supply chains in the Middle East and beyond. These effects are particularly acute in Afghanistan, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Syria, Yemen, and Iran.
Humanitarian efforts in East Africa have also been impacted, with fuel prices surging sharply. In Lebanon, diesel costs have jumped over 62% since the conflict began, while Yemen saw a 44% increase in gasoline prices.
These disruptions underscore the far-reaching consequences of the ongoing crisis, threatening both economic stability and global food access.