The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued a strong appeal for maximum restraint and immediate de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz and wider Persian Gulf, where almost 6,000 seafarers remain stranded on commercial vessels amid escalating US–Iran tensions. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez condemned recent attacks on ships transiting the strategic waterway, warning that “reckless” strikes have placed innocent crew members in grave danger and deepened an already severe maritime crisis.
Nearly 6,000 seafarers trapped on vessels
According to the IMO, hundreds of merchant ships carrying around 6,000 crew are stuck in the Gulf, unable to safely exit due to continuing attacks and the risk of further military escalation. These vessels have been trapped since the latest phase of conflict in West Asia erupted, following large-scale strikes and retaliatory actions by the US, Iran and regional players.
Dominguez stressed that the prolonged uncertainty is intensifying fear, anxiety and psychological strain among seafarers, many of whom have been on board for extended periods with no clarity on when they will be able to leave the area. He emphasised that the safety and wellbeing of crews must remain the foremost priority and urged all states involved to facilitate the safe departure of ships still trapped in the Gulf.
Attacks on commercial shipping in Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for oil and gas shipments, has again become the focal point of hostilities. Iranian forces have reportedly targeted multiple commercial vessels in recent days, accusing ships of ignoring approved navigation routes and using the attacks as leverage in the broader regional confrontation.
In response, the United States has carried out extensive strikes on Iranian military targets, prompting further retaliatory actions by Iran against Gulf countries and heightening the risk to passing merchant traffic. Following these developments, US President Donald Trump declared that the ceasefire with Iran was effectively over, although he did not entirely rule out future talks.
Global shipping and energy market implications
The IMO’s warning comes as the crisis begins to ripple through global energy and shipping markets. Oil prices have already jumped by around five percent after the latest round of attacks and statements, extending gains to their highest level in about two weeks. Continued disruption in Hormuz threatens to push freight rates higher, complicate voyage planning and undermine supply chain reliability for energy-importing economies.
Maritime industry observers note that shipowners and charterers are reassessing route risks, insurance premiums and crew deployment plans as security concerns around Hormuz intensify. For seafarers, the combination of physical danger, long delays and uncertainty over repatriation highlights once again how frontline maritime workers bear the brunt of geopolitical conflict at sea.
IMO’s appeal to governments and industry
Dominguez called on all concerned states to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate the situation “without delay,” and ensure that commercial ships are not placed in unnecessary danger by being forced to cross the Strait under current conditions. He also urged cooperation between flag states, coastal states, naval forces and industry stakeholders to create safe corridors and practical arrangements that allow trapped vessels to leave the Gulf.
The IMO’s intervention adds to broader international calls, including from countries such as India, for protection of commercial shipping and adherence to international law in the Strait of Hormuz. As the crisis unfolds, the agency has reiterated that safeguarding seafarers and maintaining secure sea lanes must remain central to any diplomatic and operational response.
