UN Establishes Task Force to Address Hormuz Strait Crisis as Global Trade and Energy Supplies Face Severe Challenges
On Aug 24, 2026, UN chief Guterres announced a task force on the Strait of Hormuz crisis, citing Mideast and Ukraine conflicts disrupting shipping and global trade, energy, food.
UNITED NATIONS,ECONOMY
Global N Press
8/26/20261 min read
On August 24, 2026, UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced a task force to address the Strait of Hormuz crisis, citing that conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine have disrupted maritime shipping, severely impacting global trade, energy, and food supplies. Blocked routes through the Hormuz, Red Sea, and Black Seas have restricted oil, fertilizer, and grain transport, driving up prices and worsening hunger among vulnerable populations. Since the conflict began on February 28, the International Maritime Organization has verified at least 70 attacks on shipping, killing 19 seafarers, while some 400 vessels with 6,000 crew remain trapped. Guterres stressed navigational rights as fundamental to international law and global stability, urging all parties to respect international law, protect civilian vessels and seafarers, and immediately cease attacks.
The UN task force plans a coordination mechanism for registration, verification, monitoring, and de-escalation, initially prioritizing fertilizer and raw material shipments. Guterres noted that while the mechanism does not alter sovereignty or replace political negotiations, it offers a pragmatic first step to de-risk, secure essential goods, and rebuild trust. Separately, on August 26, Iran sent a letter to the UN condemning U.S. sanctions threats as "state and economic terrorism". Previous UN reports show the Strait disruption has cut LNG exports by 95% and urea exports by 83%.
