The International Maritime Organization (IMO), during an extraordinary session, has advised all shipping companies to maximize caution and avoid passage through the Strait of Hormuz due to acute risks faced by vessels and their crews. The Secretary-General of the IMO, Arsenio Dominguez, emphasized the ongoing dangers while addressing the meeting. Greece additionally raised concerns about the protection of human lives, insisting that innocent sailors, regardless of their nationality, should be safeguarded and not used as leverage in geopolitical disputes.

The 36th Extraordinary Session of the IMO Council, taking place on March 18-19, 2026, in London, occurs amidst a challenging maritime environment influenced by multiple incidents involving commercial vessels in the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf. These maritime tensions have escalated concerns for shipping safety and prompt discussions about implementing protective measures for crews and vessels operating in these volatile waters.

Notably, the U.S. delegation's formal stance at the meeting highlighted the relevance of the discussed issues at the level of the IMO and reflects international efforts to address maritime security and operational challenges facing shipping routes. The ongoing dialogue is crucial for establishing agreed protocols to protect shipping interests and human safety amidst rising regional tensions in these strategic waters.