Kuwait Reiterates Condemnation of Iran's Closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Warns of Implications for Global Food Security

Kuwait renewed its condemnation on Wednesday of Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its threats to freedom of navigation there, as well as the continued obstruction of navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait through its proxies in the region. It warned of the repercussions of these practices on global food security, the flow of essential goods, and rising transportation and insurance costs.

This statement was made in Kuwait’s address, delivered by Diplomatic Attaché Dalal Sharar to the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) of the United Nations General Assembly, as part of the discussion on agenda items “Poverty Eradication” and “Agricultural Development, Food Security and Nutrition.”

Sharar called for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2817 and urged Iran to immediately cease acts and threats that obstruct legitimate transit or freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, or threaten maritime security in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

She emphasized that the world is facing interconnected challenges affecting global food security, ranging from climate change and water scarcity to disruptions in supply chains caused by threats to vital waterways.

In this context, Sharar warned of the persistence of the hunger crisis and the worsening plight of millions, despite the global prevalence of hunger declining to 7.8 percent in 2025, noting that this improvement varies across regions.

She pointed out that approximately 292 million people in Asia suffer from hunger, while Africa now houses the largest number of hungry people in the world, at around 309 million, which is nearly one-fifth of the continent’s population.

She stressed the need to direct support and resources to the most vulnerable areas and to strengthen their resilience against successive shocks.

Regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, Sharar expressed Kuwait’s strong condemnation of the occupying Israeli entity’s use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, affirming that this practice is prohibited by international humanitarian law and condemned by the Security Council in its Resolution 2417.

In conclusion, Kuwait reaffirmed that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, and eliminating hunger, remain a shared priority and a cornerstone of sustainable development and human dignity.

She called for intensified international efforts to achieve fair and inclusive development, provide sustainable financing, protect the environment, strengthen social protection, and build resilient food systems.