International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile due to security threats.
The instability in this corridor between the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman threatens global trade routes and the safety of thousands of crew members. Because the strait is a primary artery for energy exports, any disruption impacts international market stability.
Dominguez identified the presence of sea mines and attempts to impose illegal transit fees as critical dangers to navigation [1], [2]. He said that any attempt to charge fees for crossing the strait is a violation of international law [1]. The IMO is currently working with member states to ensure the safety of shipping lanes, and the protection of maritime personnel [2], [3].
Humanitarian concerns are mounting as crews remain stranded in the region. Dominguez said that approximately 8,000 sailors [1] are currently aboard 500 ships [1] awaiting passage through the strait. Other reports suggest the number of stranded sailors in the Gulf could be as high as 20,000 [4].
Regional tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to complicate the security environment. To mitigate these risks, the IMO is coordinating efforts to clear the waters of explosives. Dominguez said that the removal of sea mines is being conducted through a collaborative process [1].
These developments occurred between late May and early June 2026 [2], [3], as the organization sought to balance diplomatic coordination with the urgent need to evacuate trapped personnel. The IMO continues to monitor the volatile conditions to prevent further escalation in the waterway.
““Any attempt to impose fees for crossing the strait is a violation of international law,” said Arsenio Dominguez.”
The combination of illegal fee demands and sea mines indicates a shift from political posturing to active tactical interference in one of the world's most important chokepoints. The discrepancy in the number of stranded sailors—ranging from 8,000 to 20,000—suggests a rapidly deteriorating situation or a lack of centralized tracking for vessels avoiding the strait, which may lead to increased insurance premiums and redirected global shipping traffic.
