Brussels, 20 March 2026
The European Commission has endorsed the IMO’s call for an internationally coordinated safe-passage framework in the Strait of Hormuz, following escalating attacks on commercial vessels and threats to navigation. Both institutions condemn Iran’s actions, stress compliance with international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817, and urge immediate measures to protect seafarers and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global maritime trade.
Statement by EU Commissioner Tzitzikostas on the IMO decision on the Strait of Hormuz
The EU welcomes the adoption of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Council decision, strongly condemning the threats and attacks by Iran against vessels which affect innocent civilian seafarers.
The EU echoes IMO Council’s demands to cease any actions or threats aimed at closing, obstructing or otherwise interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
At its meeting on 19 March, the European Council recalled the need to safeguard regional airspace and ensure maritime security and respect for the freedom of navigation, and condemned any acts that threaten navigation or prevent vessels from entering and exiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected.
The EU also reiterates its call for the full implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
Source – EU Commission
IMO condemns attacks on shipping, calls for safe-passage framework in Strait of Hormuz
London, IMO Council condemns attacks on merchant ships and urges international coordination to safeguard civilian shipping, during extraordinary session in London
The IMO Council met from 18 to 19 March, 2026 to discuss the situation in the Middle East and its impact on shipping and seafarers.
The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has strongly condemned the threats and attacks against vessels and purported closure of the Strait of Hormuz, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which have adversely affected merchant and commercial vessels and threatened the safety and welfare of seafarers.
The Council called for a coordinated approach to security be adopted and that the response be internationally coordinated. It reiterated that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected.
In his closing remarks, IMO Secretary-General said: “Let it be the responsibility of each and every one of us to demonstrate that inaction is not an option, that words alone are not sufficient. Together, we can drive the change required to protect the wellbeing of those who have no voice and safeguard the principle of freedom of navigation.”
Protection, safety and welfare of seafarers
The Council urged that all attacks on ships affecting innocent civilian seafarers be halted immediately. It called upon Member States to ensure the continuous provision of water, food, fuel and other essential supplies to ships currently unable to leave the region.
States were encouraged to facilitate crew change and crew renewal operations in accordance with international standards, to safeguard the health, safety and well-being of the seafarers affected. The Council urged States to ensure that seafarers’ communication with their families and friends can be maintained and that stores and provisions remain adequate for their needs.
The Council called for a coordinated international approach to the safety of navigation, taking into account the fatigue and pressure of those on board, the master’s overriding authority, as well as the risks associated with transiting the area while Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) suffer extensive jamming and spoofing.
Safe passage framework
The Council called for the establishment of a safe maritime framework, as a provisional and urgent measure, to facilitate the safe evacuation of merchant ships currently confined within the Gulf region. This measure aims to protect the lives of seafarers and ensure safe commercial shipping by avoiding military attacks.
The Council directed IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez to take the necessary immediate actions to initiate the establishment of the framework, in collaboration with the relevant parties.
“I am ready to start working immediately in negotiations to establish a humanitarian framework to evacuate all vessels and seafarers trapped. However, for this to materialize, I will need the understanding, commitment and, above all, the concrete actions from all relevant countries and stakeholders,” said Secretary-General Dominguez. [Read full closing remarks]
IMO Council
The Extraordinary Session of Council was convened followed requests from several Member States. The Council is the Executive Organ of IMO, consisting of 40 Member States, elected by the IMO Assembly. More than 120 Member States participated in the session, including all 40 Council Members.
Read the full summary of decisions of the IMO Council
Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada and others on the Strait of Hormuz
Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, and Lithuania on the Strait of Hormuz.
We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.
We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict. We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable.
Consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817, we emphasise that such interference with international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security. In this regard, we call for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.
We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.
We welcome the International Energy Agency decision to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves. We will take other steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with certain producing nations to increase output.
We will also work to provide support for the most affected nations, including through the United Nations and the IFIs.
Maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries. We call on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security.
Source – Government of Sweden