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Key points
- Attack condemned: The IMO condemned overnight deadly attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz
- Context: The attacks came after the war Israel and the US launched against Iran in February and subsequent attacks on US allies and assets in the Gulf by Tehran, with an earlier temporary ceasefire agreement aimed at securing safe shipping corridors.
- Escalation: Several ships have now been hit in the Strait, a route that once carried 20 percent of oil and gas exports
- Call to action: IMO urges restraint and dialogue to protect seafarers and freedom of navigation before the crisis worsens
“We are deeply concerned by this latest attack,” said an IMO spokesperson, adding that the agency was immediately working with authorities to confirm the circumstances.
“IMO fully condemns these attacks. The cycle of escalation must end.”
The maritime agency has been working closely with parties in the region after Israel and the United States began an intense bombing campaign against Iran in late February that sparked a backlash in the Gulf against US allies via Tehran.
Recent days have seen a massive increase in attacks, which have broken the fragile temporary ceasefire established under the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding signed in mid-June.
IMO efforts to ease the closure of the strait since the conflict erupted include building evacuation routes for ships stuck in the vital commercial waterway through which 20 percent of oil and natural gas exports normally pass.
Calls for restraint
All parties have a responsibility to exercise restraint, avoid further escalation and return to dialogue, the IMO said.
The escalation that began last week has led to several attacks on ships trying to navigate the Strait of Hormuz.
“IMO urges all parties to choose a path that protects seafarers’ lives and freedom of navigationso that this dangerous situation does not get further out of control,” said an IMO spokesperson.
The attack must stop now: Türk
“Reports of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are deeply worrying because their impact on human rights goes far beyond the region,” said Volker Türk. UN Human Rights Chair on Tuesday. “It is a vital lifeline that millions of people depend on.”
Disruptions to the flow of food, medicine and other essential commodities have severe socio-economic and humanitarian consequences, both regionally and globally, he continued, adding that diplomacy, restraint and de-escalation must be prioritized.”
The attacks reportedly carried out by Iran and the US “must stop immediately”, Türk said, urging an immediate return to the ceasefire and its implementation in accordance with international law.
20,000 seafarers are at risk
Throughout the months-long war, the UN maritime agency has closely monitored developments to protect more than 20,000 sailors in the region, including those stranded on ships unable to exit the Strait of Hormuz.
In June, the IMO managed to safely evacuate around 11,000 seafarers but suspended the initiative on 25 June following a series of attacks.
IMO also participated in the UN-led dedication Task Force in the Strait of Hormuzfounded in March 2026.
