International Maritime Organisation recommends vessels avoid Strait of Hormuz

Moscow — The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has recommended that vessels avoid the Strait of Hormuz and has urged shipping companies to exercise extreme caution in the region, according to IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez on Sunday, 1 March.

Dominguez stated that vessels should avoid transiting the region if possible until conditions improve.

He also expressed concern over reports of casualties among commercial seafarers and called on all parties to respect the principles of freedom of navigation.

On Saturday, 28 February, the United States and Israel launched a series of attacks against targets in Iran, including in Tehran, with reports of damage and civilian casualties.

Iranian state television also confirmed the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran responded to the US-Israeli attacks by launching missiles at several regions of Israel and American military facilities in the Middle East as a defensive measure.