Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the UN Security Council, expressing grave concern over escalating strikes and counterstrikes between the United States and Iran. He warned that the situation is reaching a critical point with potentially severe regional and global consequences, urging de-escalation to prevent further crises.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reports that very few vessels are currently passing through the narrow Strait of Hormuz following renewed attacks since mid-July. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stated that about 6,000 seafarers remain stranded on roughly 500 ships in the Persian Gulf. He emphasized that these individuals are not combat-trained and their vessels lack protection against missile and drone attacks.
Dominguez highlighted the vital role of seafarers, noting that 90 percent of global goods are shipped by sea, and disruptions could impact economies worldwide. He also noted that global shipping has been stretched to its limits in recent years due to multiple regional conflicts, including disruptions in the Black Sea and threats in the Red Sea from Houthi forces.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea has become another front in the maritime conflict, with Houthi forces increasing attacks on commercial vessels. The IMO chief condemned these attacks as indefensible, expressing concern for seafarer safety, shipping security, marine environments, and global supply chain stability.
The United Nations highlighted the growing humanitarian impact of escalations around both the Bab al-Mandab and Hormuz straits, with increasing risks to maritime operations and communities dependent on these routes.