Why has the International Maritime Organization declared the Strait of Hormuz unsafe for commercial vessels?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) declared the Strait of Hormuz unsafe because Iran has continued attacking commercial vessels in the waterway despite an interim peace deal between Washington and Tehran, leading the IMO to scrap its ship-evacuation program and warn companies not to risk transiting the strait due to ongoing volatility and navigational danger.

What did IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez say about tolls or mandatory payments for using the Strait of Hormuz?

Arsenio Dominguez stated there is 'no basis under international law for imposing tolls or mandatory payments' for using the Strait of Hormuz — a direct response to former US President Donald Trump’s brief suggestion of such fees, which he later shelved.

UN Maritime Chief Warns Strait of Hormuz Unsafe for Commercial Vessels

Jul 15, 2026

The International Maritime Organization warned the Strait of Hormuz is unsafe for commercial vessels due to attacks, disrupting oil transit and stranding 6,000 seafarers.

bloomberg

2026-06-23

IMO to Begin Evacuation of Stranded Seafarers Following US-Iran Peace Deal

2026-06-24

Ships Start Sailing Through Hormuz Under UN Evacuation Scheme, Agency Says

2026-06-26

Energy Insider: IMO Suspends Ship Evacuation in Strait of Hormuz; New Energy System '15th Five-Year' Plan Released

2026-07-15

UN Maritime Chief Warns Strait of Hormuz Unsafe for Commercial Vessels

UN Maritime Chief Warns Strait of Hormuz Unsafe for Commercial Vessels

FAQ