Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 18, 2026 Peace and security
More than 20,000 seafarers and approximately 3,200 vessels are stranded in the Persian Gulf west of the Strait of Hormuz amid the war in the Middle East, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The UN agency is holding an emergency meeting in London to discuss measures to support the seafarers and vessels trapped on one of the world's key trade routes.
According to the UK Maritime Safety Authority, 21 incidents were recorded between February 28 and March 17, including 16 attacks and five cases of "suspicious activity." These included strikes on tankers and container ships off the coast of the UAE and Iraq, which resulted in fires and the evacuation of crews.
The lives of sailors are at risk
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez recalled that at least seven seafarers have been killed and several more injured in attacks on ships since the beginning of the conflict.
“Whenever shipping is treated as collateral damage in conflicts, the entire world suffers –from the global economy to food security"," the head of the IMO said.
He stressed that approximately 20,000 sailors remain in the Persian Gulf, “exposed to high risks and experiencing significant psychological stress.”
“I once again call on all shipping companies exercise extreme caution when working in the affected area and, if possible, avoid it,” Dominguez said.
Disagreements regarding the conduct of the meeting
The holding of the emergency session sparked controversy among member states. The delegations of Iran and Russia questioned the necessity of the meeting, citing possible violations of IMO procedural rules, including a lack of proper notification.
Despite this, the IMO Council decided to use a clause in the Code of Practice that allows the meeting to be held without complying with the standard requirements.
Iranian strikes
Speaking on behalf of his country, the representative of the United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the strikes by Iran, calling them "unprovoked" and "illegal", and stressed that they pose a serious threat to international shipping and regional stability.
He said the attacks were a "gross violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of the country, including its territorial waters, and violated basic principles of international law.
According to a delegation representative, there have been fatalities and injuries among seafarers and port infrastructure workers. There are also additional risks to maritime safety and the environment.
The UAE stressed the need to protect freedom of navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, and reaffirmed its right to self-defense in accordance with the UN Charter.
The situation of sailors
A number of countries have focused attention on the situation of sailors caught in the conflict zone.
Sweden welcomed the discussion, noting the need to maintain the international community's attention to the fate of "innocent sailors" who remain stranded in the region.
The Netherlands emphasized that seafarers continue to work in extremely dangerous conditions and are often unable to leave the area. The delegation called for their access to basic resources, including food and drinking water, and for their safety to be prioritized.
Risks to the global economy
China called for an immediate end to hostilities, noting that only de-escalation can ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Chinese delegation also warned that if "normal maritime transport order" is not restored urgently, it could have serious consequences for the global economy and trade.
Trust tools
The United States, for its part, announced the creation of a reinsurance mechanism that is expected to help restore market confidence and resume energy and commercial shipping.
The US delegation also welcomed additional initiatives, including a proposal submitted to the IMO Council to establish a safe sea corridor for the evacuation of merchant ships from affected areas.
The US delegation called on partners to "support efforts to restore shipping through the strait."
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