Baghdad: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has reaffirmed that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway, granting all ships the right to transit through it without restriction. This announcement underscores the strategic importance of the strait, which serves as a critical passageway for global maritime traffic.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Antonio Dominguez addressed concerns regarding the safety and navigability of the Strait. In a recent press release, he stated, “We do not object to the possibility of using two routes through the Strait of Hormuz,” highlighting the organization’s commitment to ensuring safe passage for all vessels.

Dominguez further elaborated on the challenges faced in maintaining the strait’s accessibility. “We were informed that the routes we proposed were not safe,” he noted, revealing that the IMO has proposed demining the strait in collaboration with Iran to enhance maritime safety. This suggestion reflects the organization’s proactive approach to mitigating risks in one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.

Despite recent security incidents, including an attack on an oil tanker that led to the suspension of ship removals from the area, Dominguez emphasized that international principles do not permit any nation to impose fees on a strait used for global navigation. This statement reinforces the IMO’s stance on maintaining free and open access to international waterways, vital for global trade and security.