On the 5th, International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Dominguez stated that, following recent attacks on international vessels in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz, he is concerned for the safety of approximately 20,000 seafarers and 15,000 cruise passengers affected in the Gulf region.
In a statement, he said: “The International Maritime Organization is willing to work with all stakeholders to jointly safeguard the safety and well-being of affected seafarers.”
He added: “I again call on all shipping companies to maintain the highest level of vigilance when operating in affected sea areas, and urge all parties to work together to ease the situation as soon as possible so that operations can return to normal.”
On the 5th, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard stated that, in times of war, Iran has the right to control passage and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and that vessels from the United States, Israel, and European countries are prohibited from passing.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard pointed out that military and commercial vessels belonging to the United States, Israel, European countries, and their supporters are forbidden from traversing the Strait of Hormuz. “If detected by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, they will be attacked.”