EU Warns Russia, China Could Exploit 2026 Food Shortages From Iran War
Updated
Updated · The Irish Times · May 18
EU Warns Russia, China Could Exploit 2026 Food Shortages From Iran War
2 articles · Updated · The Irish Times · May 18
EU ministers were told an internal diplomatic paper sees Russia and China using shortages from the Iran war to expand leverage over vulnerable developing countries.
The warning centers on Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—through which about a fifth of global oil and gas supplies pass—which has driven up energy costs and disrupted Gulf-linked fertiliser trade.
Officials said food-importing countries could face significant shortages and price increases before the end of 2026, with fertiliser inflation already hitting agriculture in parts of Africa and Asia.
The paper said Moscow is already using oil and gas sales for geopolitical influence, while both Russia and China are pursuing government-to-government food and fertiliser deals similar to those seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
EU officials also fear the crisis could outlast this year, worsen under El Nino-linked drought risks, and push Gulf states to reassess parts of their relationship with Washington.
As Russia and China exploit the Iran crisis, is the Western-led global order on the verge of collapse?
With global supply chains severed, who will ultimately bear the cost of the looming food and energy crisis?
As the conflict accelerates de-dollarization, is the US dollar's reign as the world's dominant currency nearing its end?
Strait of Hormuz Blockade in 2026: How the Iran War Sparked a Global Food and Energy Emergency
Overview
The 2026 Iran War began with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026, leading to swift Iranian retaliation and a dramatic escalation across the Middle East. This conflict fundamentally altered regional stability and triggered a cascade of global crises. A key turning point was the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, caused by attacks on commercial vessels and suspected sea mines, which sharply increased risks for shipping. As a result, vital global trade in oil, gas, and fertilizers was disrupted, sparking an energy crisis, food shortages, and severe economic impacts worldwide. The situation remains highly unstable and continues to threaten global security.