The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London convened its thirty-sixth extraordinary session over two days, dedicated to examining the repercussions of the ongoing Iranian aggression on maritime navigation in the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and surrounding waters, and the resulting direct threats to international shipping and the safety of seafarers.
The extraordinary session was convened at the request of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to highlight the impact of Iranian aggression on the region, the Strait of Hormuz, the safety of seafarers, the global economy, and energy supplies.
The session also coincided with the issuance of a joint statement at the IMO submitted by GCC member states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, condemning the Iranian attacks.
In a statement delivered during the session, Minister Plenipotentiary Hussain Mohammed Alam, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Kingdom, expressed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the reprehensible attacks carried out by Iran against the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab countries, including the direct targeting of commercial vessels and attempts to disrupt navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global trade and energy supplies.
The Deputy Chief of Mission also welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which calls on Iran to immediately cease its attacks, reaffirming the Kingdom’s firm rejection of any threats aimed at undermining freedom of navigation in the Strait and its surrounding waters.
In this context, the Deputy Chief of Mission announced the Kingdom of Bahrain’s support and co-sponsorship of the declaration proposed by the United Arab Emirates, aimed at addressing the impact of the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz on shipping and seafarers. He also urged the IMO to assume its responsibilities and adopt a firm resolution condemning attacks and threats targeting seafarers and maritime navigation in the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman, and the Arabian Gulf, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.
Furthermore, the Deputy Chief of Mission expressed Bahrain’s support for the proposal submitted by Japan, jointly sponsored with the United Arab Emirates, calling for the establishment of a temporary and urgent safe maritime corridor under the current circumstances to facilitate the evacuation of vessels, ensure the continuity of international navigation, safeguard seafarers and ships, and mitigate the damage affecting maritime traffic in the Strait and its surrounding areas, which poses a threat to global stability, trade, and energy supplies.
Eng. Kamal Al-Junaidi, Saudi Permanent Representative to the IMO affirmed Saudi Arabia’s full commitment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), particularly in navigational warnings, search and rescue, vessel routing, and the avoidance of maritime hazards.
He stressed the importance of protecting maritime routes, ensuring freedom of navigation, and maintaining the stability of energy markets and global supply chains. He noted that the Kingdom will continue to act as a responsible partner committed to maritime safety, protecting lives, and supporting the rules-based international system and joint cooperation.
In strengthening international cooperation, the Kingdom affirmed that it will continue to enhance maritime navigation security by improving monitoring, exchanging information, raising readiness to respond to threats, and facilitating the smooth flow of global trade through safe and stable corridors.
This participation extends the Kingdom’s efforts within the IMO Council, where it acts as an active member supporting international initiatives. The TGA represents the Kingdom in the council, implements commitments related to international conventions and treaties, and contributes to international decision-making.
