If Iran war drags on till June, 45 million people could face starvation

An all-time high number of people - 45 million - could be pushed to acute hunger if the conflict in the Middle East does not end by the middle of the year and oil prices continue to hover over $100 a barrel, the World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations said.

"If this conflict continues, it will send shockwaves across the globe, and families who already cannot afford their next meal will be hit the hardest," said WFP Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Carl Skau. "Without an adequately funded humanitarian response, it could spell catastrophe for millions already on the edge."

These would add to the 318 million people around the world who are already food insecure.