Jean-Martin Bauer

A strong El Nino weather event could increase acute food insecurity for 49 million more people in vulnerable regions by 2025, according to the World Food Programme. Central America and Southern Africa face the largest projected rises, with regional shortages and higher prices potentially worsening hunger. Funding cuts have reduced data collection efforts to monitor the crisis.

The US and Iran exchanged strikes, threatening a fragile ceasefire, as the UN warns the Middle East conflict could push millions into acute hunger. The World Food Programme cited rising oil prices and the conflict's duration as factors worsening global food security.