Countries must reject Iran’s claim to sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and its efforts to establish a traffic control body in the waterway, the U.N. shipping agency’s council stated recently. Tensions escalated this week between the U.S. and Iran, resulting in U.S. military airstrikes in response to alleged Iranian attacks on vessels. The situation has heightened concerns regarding global oil supplies and the security of international shipping lanes.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), based in London and comprising 176 member states, is responsible for ensuring maritime safety and preventing pollution. During a council session, member states, including Gulf nations and the U.S., expressed their opposition to Iran’s actions regarding the Strait. The council condemned Iran’s establishment of an entity to control navigation in the strait, urging member nations to disregard Iran’s sovereignty claims and any disruptions to international transit.
Iran’s newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority previously announced that vessels would require a valid passage permit to navigate the strait. Although Iran does not hold a seat on the IMO council, it insists the allegations against it are politically motivated. Iranian representatives argue that their measures are intended to maintain maritime safety and sovereignty, claiming their actions do not constitute a closure of the strait.
