© IMO/Ch. Tunai Since the beginning of the current round of conflict in the Middle East, at least 17 sailors have been killed. UN and IMO sound alarm over attacks on ships in Red Sea Peace and Security
A number of international organizations warned on Friday of the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Red Sea, the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas. In particular, representatives of the UN and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) said that the resumption of attacks on commercial shipping threatens the lives of seafarers, global trade and regional stability, and also increases the risk of humanitarian and environmental consequences.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez strongly condemned the recent attacks in the Red Sea, calling them “unjustified.” The attacks disrupt global supply chains, damage the marine environment and pose serious risks to international trade, he said. Dominguez stressed that seafarers are civilians doing vital work for the global economy and urged shipping companies to carefully assess risks before sailing through hazardous areas.
The IMO chief again demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all sailors who remain captive following attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. He recalled that the Red Sea is one of the world’s key trade arteries, and ongoing attacks could increase regional tensions, disrupt commercial shipping and undermine freedom of navigation. According to him, the only way out is de-escalation, and recent incidents raise concerns about possible environmental pollution.
The UN Secretary General issued similar warnings. His spokesman Stephane Dujarric said he was deeply concerned about renewed Houthi attacks on commercial ships passing through the Red Sea. The UN believes that such actions could lead to a further increase in tension in the Middle East and drag Yemen into a wider regional conflict. The organization called for immediate de-escalation and demanded an end to attacks on merchant ships in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2722 and other international instruments guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait area. The UN envoy for Yemen on Friday expressed alarm over renewed attacks by the Houthi Ansar Allah movement on commercial ships and new disruptions in maritime traffic. Hans Grundberg noted that the main task remains to preserve the achievements of the 2022 ceasefire, prevent a return to a large-scale armed conflict and create conditions for an inclusive political process. According to him, further escalation could worsen the crisis in Yemen, destabilize the entire region and lead to further suffering among the civilian population. The envoy called on all parties to intensify negotiations for a comprehensive political settlement.
The UN reports that at least 17 sailors have been killed since the current round of conflict began. The organization condemned attacks on civilian ships and called on governments and shipowners to ensure the safe evacuation and repatriation of crews, provide seafarers with essential supplies and respect their rights, including the right to safe working conditions and the ability to refuse hazardous assignments.
Call for an independent investigation
UN experts said in Friday about serious violations of international law related to “illegal” military operations by the United States and Israel in Iran since February 28, 2026, as well as Iran’s retaliatory strikes on targets in the Persian Gulf countries. They recalled that the prohibition on the threat or use of force is a fundamental principle of international law, and called for an independent investigation into reports of civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
Against this backdrop, the International Maritime Organization said it would continue to closely monitor developments and provide assistance to interested parties as necessary. UN and IMO officials agree that without urgent de-escalation, the situation could lead to further disruption to international shipping, an intensifying humanitarian crisis and new risks to the global economy and security.