The prolonged Middle East crisis is pushing millions into acute hunger, particularly impacting fragile economies in Somalia, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka, according to the UN World Food Programme. The conflict also fuels a global energy shock affecting ASEAN member states, with farmers in the Philippines facing doubled diesel costs. Iranians are experiencing war fatigue and economic hardship, marked by triple-digit food inflation and a devalued currency. Norway's deputy foreign minister condemned the US-Israeli war on Iran as illegal, stressing the need to uphold international law even among allies.

The ongoing Middle East crisis is driving millions into acute hunger, with fragile economies in Somalia, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka facing severe impacts. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) reports that the conflict is increasing food and fuel costs and disrupting trade, forcing the WFP to ration aid due to funding cuts. The WFP is appealing to global donors for increased contributions to address the escalating humanitarian needs.
In Iran, citizens are experiencing "war fatigue" and confusion amidst deepening domestic crises. The country grapples with significant economic hardship, characterized by triple-digit food inflation and a devalued currency. These economic woes are compounded by strikes targeting industries and infrastructure, leading to business closures and job losses.
Simultaneously, leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are meeting to confront a global energy shock exacerbated by the Iran conflict. All 11 ASEAN member states are affected, with farmers in the Philippines already reporting doubled diesel costs and reduced profits. This situation underscores the urgent requirement for regional energy solutions.
Norway's deputy foreign minister, Andreas Kravik, stated that international law must be defended, even when allies are in violation. He specifically condemned the US-Israeli war on Iran as illegal, emphasizing the critical importance of multilateralism and the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in upholding global legal standards amidst ongoing conflicts.
The ongoing Middle East crisis is driving millions into acute hunger, with fragile economies in Somalia, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka facing severe impacts. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) reports that the conflict is increasing food and fuel costs and disrupting trade, forcing the WFP to ration aid due to funding cuts. The WFP is appealing to global donors for increased contributions to address the escalating humanitarian needs.