The International Maritime Organization rejects the closure of the Strait of Hormuz
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), reiterated a firm and clear position: no country has the right, under any circumstances, to close the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic and global trade. These remarks came amid escalating geopolitical tensions that threaten the stability of navigation in one of the world's most vital waterways.
The strategic and historical importance of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz
To understand the dimensions of this crisis, one must consider the broader context and historical background of this vital waterway. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea, and has historically been the most important artery for the flow of global energy supplies. Many major industrialized nations rely on oil and liquefied natural gas that pass through this waterway, with reliable statistics indicating that approximately one-fifth of the world's oil consumption transits its waters. Over the decades, this region has witnessed numerous tensions, yet international laws and conventions have consistently emphasized the necessity of keeping this vital artery open to ensure the stability of the global economy.
In a recent press conference, Dominguez explained that “under international law, no country has the right to prohibit the right of safe passage or freedom of navigation through international straits used for international transit.” The statement by the head of the UN agency comes at a sensitive time, coinciding with the United States’ announcement that it would begin a blockade of Iranian ports on Monday. This rapid escalation followed the failure of negotiations with Iran held in Islamabad and comes amidst the disruption of maritime traffic by Tehran since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28.
Economic and political repercussions on the international stage
The significance of this event and its anticipated impact extend beyond local boundaries to encompass broad regional and international dimensions. Regionally, any closure of the waterway threatens the ability of Gulf states to export their vital resources, disrupting development plans and creating security instability. Internationally, any threat to navigation translates immediately into sharp increases in oil prices, shipping costs, and insurance premiums, fueling global inflation and negatively impacting food and industrial supply chains, thereby threatening international peace and security.
Diplomatic efforts and calls for peaceful mediation
In this tense context, regional diplomatic efforts emerged to contain the situation. On Monday, Qatar called for the neutrality of waterways and for freedom of navigation not to be used as a bargaining chip or pressure tactic. This came during a significant phone call between Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, according to a statement issued by the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed “the necessity of opening maritime routes and guaranteeing freedom of navigation,” while strongly warning of “the negative repercussions of this on the countries of the region, on global energy and food supplies, and its serious implications for international peace and security.” He also emphasized the need for both Washington and Tehran to respond positively to the ongoing mediation efforts between them, which would pave the way for addressing the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and constructive dialogue, ultimately leading to a sustainable agreement that prevents future escalation.
