IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez today urged shipping lines to avoid transiting the Strait of Hormuz after the United States on Tuesday launched a new series of strikes against Iranian military targets in response to Iranian attacks on three merchant vessels.
“I regret that once again I am compelled to speak out following attacks on commercial ships and innocent seafarers, due to geopolitical circumstances beyond their control,” said Mr. Dominguez.
“I condemn the attacks over the past two days against several ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. These reckless attacks have again placed innocent seafarers in grave danger. No seafarer should have to risk their life simply for doing their job.
“As long as the safety and security of crews cannot be assured, I urge flag States, shipowners, operators and all relevant authorities to avoid exposing seafarers to unnecessary danger by transiting the Strait.”
Mr. Dominguez continued: “The situation in the region remains volatile. These attacks further intensify the fear, uncertainty and psychological strain already being endured by the nearly 6,000 seafarers who remain stranded on board vessels unable to depart the Persian Gulf safely.”
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that its forces struck more than 80 targets across Iran on Tuesday, including air defense systems, command-and-control networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities and more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) small boats operating within the Strait of Hormuz.
“U.S. forces remain postured and prepared to hold Iran accountable when the agreement is not adhered to or obeyed,” CENTCOM said.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters prior to a NATO summit in Turkey, President Donald Trump suggested that the US-Iran peace agreement may effectively be finished.
“To me, I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them,” Mr. Trump said. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s just a waste of time dealing with them.”
(Photo from IMO)