Iran war could plunge 32 million into poverty, says United Nations

‘Development in reverse’ taking place involving rising energy and food costs and weaker economic growth More than 32 million people worldwide could be plunged into poverty by the economic fallout from the Iran war, with developing countries expected to be hit hardest. In a report issued amid doubts over a fragile ceasefire, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said the world was facing a “triple shock” involving energy, food and weaker economic growth. The agency tasked with tackling poverty said the conflict was reversing gains in international development, with the impact expected be felt unevenly across regions. Alexander De Croo, administrator of the UNDP and former prime minister of Belgium, said: “A conflict like this is development in reverse. Even if the war stops, and a ceasefire is obviously very very welcome. But the impact is already there. “You will see an enduring impact, especially in the poorer countries, where you push people back into poverty. That’s the most heartbreaking element. The people being pushed into poverty are very often the people who used to be in poverty, got out of it, and are now being pushed back.” Energy prices have surged in the six