Global concerns over famine are escalating as food prices surge and already fragile supply chains face additional pressure amidst the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts are drawing parallels to the eight-year disruption seen in the Suez Canal, warning of a prolonged impact if current tensions persist.
As the situation stretches into its 62nd day, the United States continues to enforce a naval blockade on vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports. Meanwhile, Iran has effectively maintained its closure of this critical waterway, exacerbating fears of extended disruption.
Lars Jensen, CEO and partner at Vespucci Maritime, shared his insights with Fox News Digital, expressing hope for a resolution. “In the best-case scenario, an agreement between the U.S. and Iran could be reached within weeks, leading to the reopening of the Strait,” he explained. However, he emphasized the importance of mutual trust in any deal to prevent future closures by Iran.
Even with such an agreement, Jensen cautioned that it would take months for supply chains to return to their normal state. The situation remains precarious as global trade routes and economies brace for continued instability.
A cargo ship sails in the Persian Gulf toward the Strait of Hormuz April 22, 2026. (AP Photo)
“Even in that case, it will still take months for the supply chains to revert back to normality.”
President Donald Trump announced April 21 he would delay renewed strikes on Iran until it presents a proposal for long-term peace, effectively extending a 14-day ceasefire indefinitely.
Trump said Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports has been effective, urging Tehran to “just give up” as tensions escalate over the waterway.
“Worst case, we can look at the eight-year closure of the Suez Canal from 1967 to 1975,” Jensen said.
The SKS Doyles crude oil tanker moves along the Suez Canal towards Ismailia in Suez, Egypt, on Dec. 21, 2023, amid a sharp decline in tanker traffic through the Red Sea due to attacks disrupting global trade routes. (Stringer/Bloomberg)
“Despite its importance to the global economy, it proved impossible to reopen the canal for those eight years,” he said.
The Suez Canal, shut from 1967 to 1975 after the Arab-Israeli conflict, has faced recurring disruption, including Red Sea attacks since 2023, driving up insurance costs, creating a “shadow blockade” and curbing traffic.
For Hormuz, Jensen says fertilizer, which is central to agricultural production, is the most critical factor, and any sustained disruption could quickly ripple through global food systems.
“Fertilizer is the most important element. Thirty percent of the world’s seaborne fertilizer comes from the Persian Gulf,” Jensen said. “Fertilizer prices are already rising fast,” he warned.
A ship is seen passing through the Strait of Hormuz during a two-week temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, 2026. (Shady Alassar/Anadolu/Getty Images)
“In wealthy countries, it means more expensive food come harvest season, and, in poor countries, it means that farmers right now cannot afford fertilizer,” Jensen added.
“This will lead to the harvest being lower later in the season, leading to rapid increases in food prices in very poor countries. And such a situation increases the risk of famine and conflict.”
Diplomatic efforts remained fragile between the U.S. and Iran as of Thursday, with limited signs of progress.
According to reports, a giant banner hangs on a building in Tehran’s central Enqelab Square declaring, “The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed; the entire Persian Gulf is our hunting ground.”
“Cargo vessels are not going through for the simple reason that commercial companies do not want to see their seafarers potentially killed,” Jensen added.
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