The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has condemned threats against merchant shipping and reiterated that freedom of navigation in international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, must be respected under international law.

Axar.az reports that IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez made the remarks during the organization’s extraordinary Council session in London.

In his closing remarks, Dominguez said: “Let it be the responsibility of each and every one of us to demonstrate that inaction is not an option, that words alone are not sufficient. Together, we can drive the change required to protect the wellbeing of those who have no voice and safeguard the principle of freedom of navigation.”

The Council stressed that attacks on ships affecting civilian seafarers must be halted immediately and called for an internationally coordinated approach to maritime security. It also urged the establishment of a temporary safe maritime framework to enable the evacuation of merchant vessels trapped in the Gulf region.

It should be noted that the United States has reportedly begun a blockade of Iranian ports.