London: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced that 400 ships and 6,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf, six months into the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to Anadolu Agency, Arsenio Dominguez, the head of the IMO, stated that while some ships and their crews have managed to exit the Gulf, a significant number have been unable to depart safely since the conflict erupted. He described the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil trade, as unresolved.

The UN agency has documented at least 70 attacks on international shipping since February 28, resulting in 19 seafaring casualties. Dominguez stressed the severe impact on global supply chains for essential goods such as fuel and fertilizer, affecting communities and economies worldwide. He highlighted the distress experienced by thousands of workers facing increased risk and uncertainty.

Dominguez called for renewed political commitment from member states and the shipping industry to ensure the restoration of safe navigation through the waterway. Efforts to reach a resolution saw the US and Iran sign a memorandum of understanding in June, initiating negotiations for a final agreement. However, discussions stalled due to disagreements over security guarantees and navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz.