‘Cycle of escalation must end’: UN condemns deadly Strait of Hormuz attacks
UN Condemns Escalating Attacks in Strait of Hormuz
Qinilo.com – The UN’s maritime watchdog, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), issued a strong statement against overnight attacks targeting vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in the deaths of at least two seafarers. These strikes, reported early Tuesday, mark a new phase of tension in the US-Iran conflict, now involving Israel.
Context of the Conflict
Recent hostilities in the Gulf have intensified following the February military campaign launched by Israel and the United States against Iran. In response, Tehran has targeted US-aligned assets, disrupting the fragile ceasefire agreement that had been in place since mid-June. This interim truce aimed to secure safe passage for commercial ships through the critical waterway.
Escalation and Impact
Multiple ships have been struck in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route that once accounted for 20% of global oil and gas exports. The IMO has warned that continued attacks risk worsening the crisis, with urgent calls for restraint to protect maritime freedom and seafarers’ safety.
“We are gravely concerned by the latest attacks,” stated an IMO spokesperson. “The agency is collaborating with regional authorities to investigate the incidents.”
“IMO wholly condemns these strikes. The cycle of escalation must end,” the spokesperson added.
Since hostilities began, the IMO has monitored the situation closely to safeguard over 20,000 seafarers in the region, including those trapped in vessels unable to leave the strait. In June, the agency successfully evacuated around 11,000 crew members but halted operations on June 25 after a surge in attacks.
Volker Türk, the UN’s human rights chief, emphasized the gravity of the situation on Tuesday, noting that disruptions to the strait threaten global food and medicine supplies. “Reports on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are very alarming for their impact on human rights far beyond the region,” he said. “It is a vital lifeline on which millions are reliant.”
“Disruptions to the flow of essential commodities have severe socioeconomic and humanitarian consequences, both locally and worldwide,” Türk continued. “Diplomacy, restraint, and de-escalation must be prioritized.”
“Iran and the US must stop their attacks immediately,” Türk urged. “An immediate return to the ceasefire and its implementation under international law is critical.”
The IMO is also part of a UN-led Task Force established in March 2026 to address the crisis in the strait. The agency’s efforts include creating evacuation routes for ships stuck in the area, aiming to prevent further escalation and ensure uninterrupted trade flow.