Global Shipping Alert: Qatar Condemns Iran at IMO Over Strait of Hormuz Threats and Maritime Security Risks
The Qatar has sharply criticized Iran over escalating threats to global shipping, warning of serious risks to maritime security, oil supply routes, and international trade during a high-level meeting of the International Maritime Organization in London.
Speaking at the 36th extraordinary session of the IMO Council, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani condemned Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels and maritime infrastructure, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, describing them as a clear violation of international law and the principle of freedom of navigation.
The emergency session focused on rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf and the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Qatar stressed that attacks targeting its territory, along with actions against Gulf Cooperation Council member states and the Jordan, represent serious breaches of sovereignty and violations of the United Nations Charter.
Qatar welcomed United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, which condemns the attacks and reinforces the importance of maintaining secure global shipping lanes. The country emphasized that continued disruptions threaten not only maritime safety but also global energy markets, supply chains, and the stability of international trade flows.
Officials warned that escalating risks in the Strait of Hormuz could endanger seafarers, disrupt tanker traffic, and increase volatility in oil prices and LNG shipping markets. Qatar called for urgent international cooperation to safeguard maritime routes and ensure compliance with international maritime law.
Reaffirming its support for multilateral efforts, Qatar backed initiatives led by the International Maritime Organization to strengthen maritime safety, protect shipping operations, and uphold freedom of navigation in one of the world’s busiest and most strategically vital waterways.
The developments underscore growing concerns across global shipping and energy sectors, as geopolitical tensions in the Gulf continue to threaten critical trade corridors and the uninterrupted flow of oil and gas supplies worldwide.
