1,500 ships and 20,000 crew members trapped in the Gulf due to Strait of Hormuz blockade

Approximately 1,500 ships and 20,000 crew members are currently stranded in the Gulf, a situation attributed to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This information was shared by Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization IMO, a UN agency responsible for maritime safety. Dominguez stated that these innocent individuals are caught in geopolitical situations beyond their control. He also reported that 10 sailors have died in about thirty attacks on vessels, a figure previously mentioned by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Iran has maintained its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global hydrocarbon trade, since the war began on February 28. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, and has impacted the global economy. Meanwhile, Washington has continued its blockade of Iranian ports, initiated on April 13, five days after a ceasefire came into effect. Dominguez called for a humanitarian corridor to evacuate sailors once passage through the strait is safe and free from dangers like potential mines or attacks. He also urged shipowners to avoid sending vessels into the Gulf to prevent further casualties and economic losses. Following the IMO's statements, the Iranian military command accused the US army of violating the ceasefire by attacking ships near the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement broadcast by state television.