The war involving Iran has severely disrupted major humanitarian air, sea and land routes across the Middle East, delaying life-saving aid to some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Airspace closures and shipping halts through the Strait of Hormuz have slowed or blocked deliveries to crisis zones including Gaza, the West Bank and Sudan, while global markets and supply chains face renewed instability.

Relief supplies such as tents, tarpaulins and lamps destined for Palestinian territories are stuck in transit, according to the International Organization for Migration. The World Food Programme warned that people in urgent need of assistance will have to wait longer for food as operational bottlenecks worsen and costs rise.

Humanitarian hubs in Dubai have been particularly affected. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the World Health Organization report that emergency stockpiles, including trauma kits and medical supplies, cannot be moved due to restrictions at ports and airports. Dozens of emergency health requests across multiple countries are now delayed.

The impact is spreading beyond the immediate conflict zone. Famine-stricken Sudan faces added pressure from shipping restrictions along key waterways, forcing some cargo to take longer and more expensive routes around southern Africa. Aid agencies warn that rising fuel, insurance and transport costs could lead to further delivery cuts at a time when global hunger and health crises are deepening.