UN Warns Iran War Could Drive 30 Million into Poverty

The head of the UN Development Programme warned that the US-Israel war against Iran, which has sharply increased energy and fertilizer prices, could push over 32 million people into poverty worldwide.

Wed Apr 29 2026

Economic Repercussions of the Iran War

The head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) stated that the war between the United States and Israel against Iran could plunge over 30 million people into poverty due to soaring energy and fertilizer prices. Speaking at the G7 Development meeting in Paris, Alexander De Croo noted that a few weeks of war have destroyed decades of efforts to build stable societies and develop regional economies.

Energy Crisis and Vulnerable Nations

De Croo estimated that even if the conflict were to end after six weeks of war, 32 million people across 160 countries would be pushed into precarious situations. The war has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas normally flows. Due to supply shortages and price hikes, African and Asian nations have implemented various measures to curb consumption, such as fuel rationing and reduced working hours, while some countries have lowered fuel taxes to mitigate the impact on consumers. The UNDP highlighted that sub-Saharan African countries, along with specific Asian nations like Bangladesh and Cambodia, would be severely affected.

*Source: arabnews.jp (2026-04-29)*

Tags: #Iran #UN #Poverty #EnergyCrisis #InternationalAffairs