The repercussions of the war involving Iran dominated the opening day of the Global Partnerships Conference hosted in London, with participation from dozens of countries, international organizations, companies, and charities from around the world.

British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warned that Iran’s continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatens global supply chains and energy markets and could trigger a worldwide food crisis, stressing the urgent need for international pressure to reopen the waterway.

The World Food Programme estimated that around 45 million additional people could face severe food insecurity if the conflict continues through the middle of the year.

On the sidelines of the conference, UK Development Minister Baroness Jenny Chapman said the war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had become “a crisis on every level,” affecting food supplies, fertilizers, fuel, financial transfers, and international supply chains.