The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, said that imposing tolls on transit through the Strait of Hormuz violates international law.

Dominguez pointed out in an interview with Sky News Arabia on Wednesday that the organization is conducting several consultations regarding the resumption of evacuation operations for stranded sailors.

He added that the organization suspended evacuation operations for stranded sailors due to the continued risk of Iranian targeting.

Nearly 8,000 await return to their families.

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization revealed that evacuation efforts succeeded in returning 3,000 sailors within a few days, while about 8,000 others are still waiting to return to their families.

He noted that the organization continuously coordinates with member states, gathers information and field assessments to support efforts aimed at restoring maritime trade movement and ensuring the security and safety of navigation.

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Dominguez stressed that the powers of the International Maritime Organization are limited to implementing maritime agreements and promoting cooperation among states, and do not extend to dealing with military conflicts or missile and drone threats, explaining that addressing geopolitical crises falls on the shoulders of the concerned states and parties.

He warned that continued tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, along with the situations in the Red Sea and the Black Sea, directly impact shipping costs and global commodity prices, stressing that protecting freedom of navigation and the safety of sailors is a priority to ensure the continued flow of international trade and avoid further pressure on the global economy.