(SeaPRwire) –   Experts caution that concerns about worldwide famine are increasing due to escalating food costs and stressed supply chains amidst the Hormuz Strait crisis, which elevates the possibility of a long-term disruption similar to the eight-year Suez incident.

On the 62nd day of the conflict, the United States upheld its naval blockade preventing access to and from Iranian ports, whereas Iran persisted in effectively shutting down the Strait.

“In the best scenario, the U.S. and Iran reach an accord in the coming weeks, leading to the reopening of the Strait,” stated Lars Jensen, CEO and partner at Vespucci Maritime, in an interview with Digital.

“Furthermore, this must be an agreement built on trust, ensuring Iran is content enough not to abruptly shut the waterway again.

“Even under those circumstances, it would require months for supply chains to return to normal.”

On April 21, President Donald Trump declared he would postpone fresh military strikes against Iran pending a proposal for enduring peace, thereby indefinitely extending a 14-day ceasefire. 

Trump stated that Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports has succeeded and called on Tehran to “just give up” as tensions regarding the waterway intensify.

“In the worst-case scenario, we could see a repeat of the Suez Canal’s eight-year closure between 1967 and 1975,” Jensen remarked.

“Even though it was vital to the global economy, reopening the canal during that eight-year period proved impossible,” he noted.

The Suez Canal, which was closed from 1967 to 1975 following the Arab-Israeli war, has encountered persistent interruptions, such as attacks in the Red Sea since 2023. These incidents have boosted insurance premiums, established a “shadow blockade,” and reduced traffic volume.

Regarding Hormuz, Jensen identifies fertilizer—a key component of agriculture—as the most critical issue. He notes that any extended interruption could swiftly impact global food systems.

“Fertilizer is the crucial factor. The Persian Gulf supplies 30% of the world’s fertilizer transported by sea,” Jensen stated. “Fertilizer costs are already escalating rapidly,” he cautioned.

“In affluent nations, this translates to pricier food at harvest time, whereas in impoverished nations, it means farmers currently cannot purchase fertilizer,” Jensen added.

“This will result in diminished harvests later in the season, causing food prices to soar in the poorest countries. Such conditions heighten the danger of famine and warfare.”

As of Thursday, diplomatic initiatives between the U.S. and Iran remained tenuous, showing few indications of advancement.

Reports indicate that a massive banner displayed on a building in Tehran’s Enqelab Square proclaims, “The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed; the entire Persian Gulf is our hunting ground.”

“Cargo ships are not traversing the area simply because commercial entities do not want to risk the lives of their crew members,” Jensen concluded.