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IMO Council Urges Countries to Reject Iran's Strait of Hormuz Traffic Controls
The International Maritime Organization's governing council adopted a non-binding decision Friday calling on member states to reject Iran's claim of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and its new traffic-control entity. The decision follows recent U.S.-Iran hostilities and attacks on shipping in the waterway.
Jul 10, 9:46 AM·1m read1 source
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The non-binding decision strongly condemned Iran's establishment of an entity to regulate passage and called on member states not to recognize Iran's sovereignty claim or any Iranian decisions that would close, obstruct, or interfere with international navigation.
Background to the Dispute The U.S. and Iran exchanged hostilities this week, including U.S. military airstrikes, after Washington attributed attacks on ships to Tehran. The incidents renewed concerns about global oil supplies and shipping while an interim truce remains in place.
The IMO, based in London and comprising 176 member states, regulates international shipping safety and security. Protection of vital shipping lanes was discussed at this week's council session.
Iran, which does not hold a seat on the council, told delegates it rejected the allegations as selective and politically motivated. Its delegation stated that Iran is not a party to the UNCLOS maritime convention and is not bound by its regime. Iran's delegation said the measures are intended to uphold maritime safety, prevent support for aggression, and safeguard Iran's sovereignty and security interests, adding that the measures do not constitute closure of the strait.
Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority issued an advisory in June stating that no vessel may pass without a valid passage permit issued by the body.
