Key facts
- The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council condemned Iran's decision to establish an entity to control traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The IMO Council urged member states not to recognize Iran's claim of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran stated its measures are intended to uphold maritime safety and security, not to close the strait.
- The US Central Command denied Iran's assertions that passage through the Strait of Hormuz is permitted only through routes designated by Tehran.
- The UK Maritime Trade Operations indicated the security threat in the Strait of Hormuz remains at its highest level.
- Qatar has called on the US and Iran to honor their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and continue talks to prevent escalation and protect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council has strongly condemned Iran's decision to establish an entity that purports to control traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. In a non-binding decision, the Council urged member states not to recognize Iran's claim of sovereignty over the waterway or any actions that could interfere with international navigation and the right of transit passage. Iran, which is not a party to the UNCLOS international maritime convention, rejected the allegations, stating its measures are intended to uphold maritime safety and security and do not constitute a closure of the strait. This development follows Iran's earlier criticism of NATO talks on the Strait of Hormuz as 'politically motivated and baseless,' and assertions of its own role in regional security. The US Central Command denied Iran's claims about controlling passage, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations noted the security threat in the Strait of Hormuz remains at its highest level amid renewed hostilities. Qatar has urged the US and Iran to honor their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and continue talks to prevent escalation and protect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that safe passage is essential to regional security and stability.