Satellite image of the Strait of Hormuz. Strait of Hormuz: UN calls for protection of civilian ships Peace and Security
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is closely monitoring the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and calls on all shipping companies to exercise the utmost caution. Where possible, ships should avoid transit through affected region until conditions improve. This is stated in a statement by IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. It remains a strategically important artery of world trade: according to media reports, more than 20 percent of global oil and gas supplies pass through it. The strait is considered international under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which enshrines the right of free transit for ships. Iran has signed but not ratified the document.
The Strait of Hormuz has been at the center of escalating military activity following US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend and Iranian retaliation. Attacks on commercial vessels have been reported.
Freedom and Safety of Navigation
“I am deeply concerned by reports of at least one dead and several injured seafarers as a result of attacks on commercial vessels. No attack on innocent seafarers or civilian ships can be justified. These crews are simply doing their jobs and must be protected from the effects of wider geopolitical tensions,” Dominguez said.
Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international maritime law, he said, and must be respected by all parties.
The IMO chief also called for vigilance rely only on verified, authoritative sources when making navigational decisions.
He expressed support for injured seafarers and their families, emphasizing that the protection of civilian crews remains a priority.
“IMO will continue to work closely with Member States and partners to maintain safe shipping and uphold the principle that civilian seafarers should not be harmed under any circumstances,” he added.