Global food supplies could be badly hit if Iran war drags on, says fertiliser boss

Yara’s Svein Tore Holsether says it would be ‘catastrophic’ if the strait of Hormuz was closed for a year

The boss of one of the world’s largest fertiliser companies has said global food supplies could be badly damaged this year if the Iran war becomes an extended conflict.

Svein Tore Holsether, the chief executive of Norway’s Yara International, has called on global leaders to consider the impact that soaring food prices will have in some of the world’s poorest countries “before it is too late”.

Why This Matters

The potential escalation of the Iran conflict raises concerns about its impact on global food supplies. Fertiliser company Yara International's CEO, Svein Tore Holsether, warns that a prolonged conflict could have catastrophic effects on food prices. This development is timely as it coincides with growing global concerns about food security.

In Week 11 2026, International accounted for 98 related article(s), with Other setting the broader headline context. Coverage of International decreased by 71 article(s) versus the prior week, but remained material in the weekly agenda.

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Context

The Guardian and other outlets have highlighted the potential consequences of a prolonged Iran conflict on global food supplies. The story has sparked discussions about the vulnerability of the global food system to geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, other media outlets have focused on the economic implications of a potential food shortage, including rising prices and potential famine in developing countries.