UNITED NATIONS: The U.N.'s food agency says the Iran war is pushing millions more people into serious hunger, as it had warned would happen if the conflict worsened and oil prices stayed high.

The World Food Program (WFP) said its study in three vulnerable countries shows that an extra 2.5 million people in Somalia, 2.3 million in Afghanistan, and 1.3 million in Sri Lanka are now struggling to meet basic food needs.

Earlier, in March, the WFP had predicted that by the end of June, 45 million more people could face food insecurity. This would add to the 318 million people worldwide who already lack enough food.

WFP acting Executive Director Carl Skau said this prediction still stands. He explained that energy prices and food prices are closely linked in many places. In poorer countries, people already spend most of their money on food, so when prices rise, they are forced to eat less.

In a report released this week, the WFP said the Middle East crisis is having broader effects, particularly by raising food and fuel prices and disrupting trade. These problems hit vulnerable countries the hardest and quickly affect people's ability to afford food and earn a living.

The agency warned that these effects are likely to get worse in the coming months, even if the situation in the Middle East improves.

Skau also pointed to other places facing severe hunger, including Sudan, Gaza, southern Lebanon, Yemen, and Haiti.

Because of funding cuts, the WFP has already had to reduce aid to millions of people in need. Skau urged donors to provide more support, especially for Somalia and Afghanistan, warning that the human cost of inaction will be very high.