UN Maritime Agency Urges Nations to Reject Iran's Control Over Strait of Hormuz

The governing council of the United Nations' shipping agency has formally urged member states to reject Iran's attempts to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. The move follows Tehran's creation of a new body to manage traffic through the strategic waterway, escalating tensions in the region.

IMO Condemns Unilateral Action

In a non-binding decision reached on Friday, the 40-member governing council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) "strongly condemned" Iran's establishment of an entity to control vessel traffic. The council called upon its 176 member states to refuse recognition of Iran's actions.

According to the decision text, members should not recognize:

• Iran’s claim of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
• Its assertions of jurisdiction over maritime zones belonging to other states.
• Any Iranian decisions aimed at "closing, obstructing, hampering or otherwise interfering with international navigation and the right of transit passage."

This decision follows a recent advisory from Iran's newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which stated that no vessel would be permitted passage "without a valid passage permit" issued by the body.

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Geopolitical Tensions and Market Risks

The IMO's resolution comes amid heightened hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, including recent attacks on commercial ships in the region that Washington has attributed to Tehran. These events have renewed concerns about the security of global oil supplies and the stability of international shipping lanes.

Iran, which does not hold a seat on the IMO Council, rejected the allegations as "politically motivated and legally unfounded." Its delegation stated that Iran is not a party to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and is therefore "not bound by the treaty-based regime." Tehran asserted its measures are intended to uphold maritime safety and do not constitute a closure of the strait.

Implications for Global Trade

The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important oil transit chokepoint. Any perceived threat to the freedom of navigation through this waterway can have significant repercussions for global markets, potentially leading to volatile oil prices, higher shipping insurance premiums, and disruptions to energy supply chains. The IMO's condemnation highlights the international community's concern over actions that could jeopardize the free flow of commerce.