Maritime traffic in the Gulf continues to face serious risks six months after the war began in the Middle East. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) said up to 400 ships and around 6,000 seafarers were unable to leave the region safely.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said some ships and their crews had managed to leave the Gulf, but up to 400 ships had been unable to depart the region safely since the conflict began. Dominguez said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remained unresolved.
Risks in the Strait of Hormuz
One-fifth of global oil trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions to traffic on the waterway could affect fuel and fertilizer supply chains, with serious consequences for communities and economies around the world.
The United Nations agency IMO has confirmed at least 70 attacks on international shipping since the war began on February 28. Nineteen seafarers were killed in those attacks.
Dominguez drew attention to the thousands of seafarers living amid growing risks and uncertainty. The IMO secretary-general called on member states and the maritime industry to strengthen the political will needed to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S.-Iran talks stall
The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June to begin negotiations on a final agreement. The talks later stalled over disputes concerning security guarantees and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.