UAE leads 115-country coalition to condemn Iran's Strait of Hormuz blockade at IMO

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council has issued a landmark condemnation of Iran's threats and attacks against vessels and its closure of the Strait of Hormuz, declaring them contrary to IMO principles and a "grave danger to life », particularly to seafarers.

The Declaration, tabled by the UAE and co-sponsored by over 115 IMO Member States, the most co-sponsors in IMO history, demands that Iran immediately cease any actions obstructing international navigation through the strait and reaffirms the right of free passage for all commercial vessels.

The Council also condemned in the "strongest terms" Iran's attacks against GCC states and Jordan, calling them a breach of international law,  echoing UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which classified any attempt to impede transit through international waterways as a "serious threat to international peace and security."

"The international community spoke in clear terms: Iran must respect its obligations under international law," said Mohamed Khamis Saeed AlKaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the IMO.

The Council also adopted a Japanese proposal to establish a maritime security corridor for the safe evacuation of seafarers trapped in the strait.

115 nations, one message: the Strait of Hormuz belongs to the world, not to Iran.