At the 36th extraordinary session of the International Maritime Organization council, Qatar sharply denounced Iran’s ongoing attacks and threats targeting commercial shipping lanes and maritime infrastructure, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. The session focused on mounting aggression against Gulf states and the serious implications for global maritime navigation. The ambassador of Qatar to the United Kingdom stressed that Iran’s actions constitute clear violations of international law and directly threaten the principle of freedom of navigation. This escalation risks disrupting a vital international shipping route that handles about 20% of the world’s oil shipments, raising stakes for global energy markets... [Continue Reading]