Threat increases on Strait of Hormuz, UN forms task force, crisis looms on global supply

New Delhi: Amidst the increasing tension in West Asia, concern has increased regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the most important sea route for global trade. In view of the potential threat, the United Nations has announced the formation of a special task force, whose objective is to protect trade and humanitarian supplies connected to this important route.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres announced the formation of this task force. This team prepares technical solutions to maintain global supply chains, especially food and fertilizer supplies.

This task force will be led by Jorge Moreira da Silva. It will include representatives from organizations such as UNCTAD, the International Maritime Organization and the International Chamber of Commerce.

According to the United Nations, this mechanism will focus on ensuring the supply of fertilizers, raw materials and essential humanitarian assistance. For this, inspiration is being taken from earlier UN missions such as the Black Sea Grain initiative.

UN Special Envoy Jean Arnault will try to find a solution by negotiating with member countries. This initiative is being considered an important step towards a comprehensive political solution.

US President Donald Trump also gave a statement regarding this waterway and talked about putting pressure on Iran. At the same time, G7 countries have emphasized the need for safe and unobstructed maritime areas.

According to the report, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been accused of collecting ‘toll’ from ships. However, the Indian government has rejected these recoveries and called them baseless.