The Other Iran War Crisis: It’s Threatening Global Food Supplies

Mother Jones
by Ayurella Horn-Muller
March 13, 2026
4 views
7 min read

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The Bottom Line

Iran closed a key shipping route, threatening global fertilizer supplies and US food costs.

How This Affects You

Fertilizer costs for US farmers are skyrocketing, which could increase your grocery prices during spring planting season.

AI Summary

Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz for the first time in history on March 2 after military strikes led by the US and Israel, killing at least 1,800 people including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Nearly one-third of global nitrogen fertilizer trade passes through the strait, creating potential food shortages as spring planting season approaches in the northern hemisphere. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tuesday the Trump administration is examining "every possible option" to address "skyrocketing" fertilizer costs for US farmers.

What's Being Done

Agriculture Secretary said the Trump administration is examining every option to address fertilizer cost increases.

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