Since the beginning of the conflict in the region, there have been at least seven incidents involving vessels. As a result of these events, two people have died, and another seven have been injured.

Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, stated: “We are ready to cooperate with all stakeholders to ensure the safety and protection of affected seafarers. These attacks carry not only economic consequences but also represent a serious humanitarian issue. No actions against innocent sailors can be justified.”

He also urged shipping companies to exercise increased caution in their operations in this region.

Earlier, Iran effectively closed the Hormuz Strait, which is a key maritime route through which about 20% of the world’s oil supplies and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas pass. According to S&P Global Commodities at Sea, no oil tankers have been able to transit through this strait in the past 24 hours, and vessels carrying natural gas have not passed since March 1.