War in Iran Triggers Global Shockwaves
The consequences of Donald Trump's war in Iran are being felt thousands of miles away, particularly in the Global South, where families are struggling to afford food and transport. Since the US and Israel launched military action in late February, the price of fuel has skyrocketed, forcing many to skip meals and take girls out of school.
Strait of Hormuz Blockade Drives Up Oil Prices
The conflict has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which a fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas passes. Oil prices have reached dizzying highs, with tentative steps toward a settlement only recently made. ActionAid, a UK-based charity, reports that colleagues across Africa and Asia have seen major spikes in local fuel prices.
Impact on Education and Nutrition
According to Dr Selina Pasirayi, country director of ActionAid Zimbabwe, "A 40 percent increase in fuel prices can mean a girl missing school, a woman skipping meals, or a farmer struggling to produce enough food." In Nepal, petrol prices rose by about 40 percent, while diesel increased by more than 70 percent at its peak. Families are withdrawing girls from school to save transport costs, and women are eating less so children can eat.
Global Food Crisis Warning
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned in May that Iran's blockade risks "sleepwalking into a global food crisis." The disruption has also shut off access to major fertiliser factories, threatening to push up food prices. Arif Husain, chief economist for the UN World Food Programme, wrote that "billions of meals are under threat," estimating that 10 billion meals a week could disappear from the global food system and an additional 45 million people could face acute hunger.
Stories from the Ground
In Somaliland, petrol prices rose by 67 percent and bus fares by 50 percent. Farmer Saynab Dahir Mohamoud said, "Fuel costs have skyrocketed for us. Instead of the two hectares we used to cultivate, we are forced to farm just half a hectare." Mohamed Sillah, Country Director of ActionAid International Somaliland, noted that a five-litre cooking oil container increased from $7 to $9, and drinking water costs rose by 10 percent.
In Malawi, shoe shop owner Tendai Nkhoma said transport costs have doubled, forcing her to order fewer shoes and skip meals. "Some days I don't make enough to cover daily expenses," she said. Virginia Gonzo, who runs a grocery shop in Zimbabwe, worries she might be forced to close her shop, her only source of income.
Ripple Effects on Agriculture
Disruption to fertiliser supplies threatens harvests. Dr Pasirayi said rural women face a 60 percent surge in urea fertiliser costs and a projected 31 percent increase overall. As women make up the majority of Zimbabwe's smallholder farmers, many are reducing planting, threatening future incomes.
Negotiations and Uncertain Future
US vice president JD Vance launched negotiations with Iranian leaders in Switzerland to curb Tehran's nuclear programme and build an interim peace deal. A framework signed last week allows commercial vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days without charge, but Iran's military has since claimed to have closed it again. US Central Command disputed this, and Vance said millions of barrels of oil have moved through in recent days.
Anish Raj Shrestha, communications manager at ActionAid International Nepal, said: "Global crises should not force vulnerable communities to pay the highest price. This moment highlights the urgent need for stronger social protections, fair economic policies, investment in local food systems, and climate-resilient livelihoods."
