The escalating Strait of Hormuz crisis has drawn concern from global maritime authorities, with Arsenio Dominguez warning that military interventions alone cannot guarantee long-term safety for international shipping.
Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, said proposals to deploy naval forces to secure commercial routes would only provide temporary relief and fail to address underlying risks.
Military escort plans seen as insufficient
The warning comes after Donald Trump called on several major economies—including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom—to send warships to the strategic waterway.
The aim of the proposal was to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global energy shipments.
However, Dominguez cautioned that such measures would not eliminate threats to vessels.
“The creation of a military task force to safeguard commercial vessels cannot be a long-term solution. It will not eliminate all risks, as ships can still be targeted by drones or missiles,” he said in an interview with Italian newspaper Repubblica.
Call for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution
Dominguez emphasized that resolving the Strait of Hormuz crisis requires a broader diplomatic approach focused on reducing tensions and ending the conflict.
“The shipping issue requires efforts to de-escalate, followed by steps to bring this conflict to an end. This is the only way to restore free navigation and prevent further damage,” he said.
He added that maritime safety cannot be separated from geopolitical stability, particularly in a region as strategically sensitive as the Persian Gulf.
Plans for evacuation corridor amid ongoing risks
In response to the worsening situation, Dominguez said he plans to initiate talks with Iran and other Gulf states to establish a safe evacuation corridor for civilian vessels.
The urgency of such measures has increased as thousands of seafarers remain stranded in the region.
According to the IMO, around 20,000 sailors are currently stuck on ships unable to safely transit through the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing crisis.
Escalating conflict disrupts key global shipping route
The Strait of Hormuz crisis intensified following a series of military actions in late February. On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iranian targets, including locations in Tehran, resulting in damage and civilian casualties.
Iran responded with retaliatory attacks on Israeli territory and US military facilities across the Middle East, further escalating tensions.
These developments have effectively led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
Global energy markets feel the impact
The disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has had immediate consequences for global energy supply chains.
The waterway is a vital route for transporting oil and liquefied natural gas from Gulf producers to international markets. Any interruption in traffic can significantly affect global supply levels.
As a result of the crisis, oil exports and production in the region have been impacted, contributing to rising fuel prices in many countries.
Long-term outlook depends on political stability
Experts warn that the future of the Strait of Hormuz crisis will depend largely on diplomatic developments and the willingness of involved parties to reduce tensions.
While military deployments may provide short-term security, the IMO maintains that sustainable solutions must address the root causes of the conflict.
With global trade and energy markets at stake, the international community faces mounting pressure to restore stability and ensure the continued flow of maritime commerce through one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
