The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Domingues, has expressed skepticism regarding the viability of military escorts as a long-term solution for tanker protection in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to the Financial Times, he emphasized that while military presence may reduce risks, it does not eliminate them entirely. Domingues argued that the deployment of military forces does not address the underlying issues and fails to provide a sustainable framework for maritime safety in the region.

This statement comes amidst heightened tensions, particularly following calls by U.S. President Donald Trump for an international naval operation off the coast of Iran to ensure the safe passage of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Domingues noted that Iran has effectively closed this critical shipping lane in response to strikes from the U.S. and Israel, which typically sees one-fifth of global oil supplies flowing through it. The implications of this blockade are dire, not only for regional stability but also for global energy markets, which are affected by any disruptions in oil supply.

Moreover, Domingues raised concerns over the crews of vessels trapped in the Persian Gulf, as operations in the Strait of Hormuz have become increasingly perilous. He pointed out that not only are ships struggling to navigate freely in and out of the strait and the wider Gulf region, but ports have also become targets. The current situation poses a significant threat to maritime operations and calls for a reevaluation of security measures to ensure the safety of maritime traffic in one of the world's busiest shipping corridors.