UN seeks support from Iran, US, Israel and others for initiative to get food and fertilizer through Strait of Hormuz

UNITED NATIONS, March 27, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been in contact with Iran’s foreign minister and the U.S. ambassador over a new task force aimed at ensuring food, fertilizer and humanitarian aid can move through the Strait of Hormuz without disruption, the United Nations said on Friday.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Guterres had also spoken with the foreign ministers of Egypt and Pakistan, as well as Bahrain’s ambassador to the United Nations, and planned further calls later in the day.

Dujarric described Iran’s support for the initiative as critical and said the United Nations hoped all member states involved would back the effort.

He said the U.N. had prior experience with cargo verification and inspections in conflict zones, including in the Black Sea, Yemen and Gaza.

Dujarric said the initiative was focused strictly on humanitarian needs, including getting fertilizer to farmers and food to millions of people affected by the Iran war, and did not concern oil shipments.