Military escort for tankers in Strait of Hormuz not long-term fix: IMO head

The head of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) stated that military escorts for tankers in the Strait of Hormuz are not a long-term solution to ongoing risks. This statement comes after calls from the US for an international naval operation to secure oil shipments in the region. However, several countries, including Germany, Britain, and Japan, have distanced themselves from joining such an operation. The IMO Secretary General also expressed concern about the safety and operational limitations faced by ship crews in the Gulf, citing restricted access to ports and the targeting of port facilities. The situation is impacting the free operation of ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf region.

In March 2026, Andreas Krieg, Associate Professor at King's College London, commented on the potential impact of a US military deployment in the Gulf. Krieg stated that deploying 2,500 US Marines would likely be insufficient to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He suggested that any attempt to open the Strait of Hormuz by force would be an extremely dangerous undertaking. The statement highlights concerns about the effectiveness of the US military presence in securing this vital waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important passage for global oil transportation.

A recent podcast by The Guardian discusses the potential impact of the US and Israel's conflict with Iran on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil supply. Iran has threatened to close the strait, which normally sees 20% of the world's oil flow, potentially disrupting global energy markets. According to the podcast, such a closure could lead to increased costs for everyday goods and services due to rising energy prices. The podcast explores whether this economic disruption might influence the US president's approach to the conflict. The Guardian's energy correspondent suggests that Iran holds significant leverage in the situation despite the US's unwillingness to admit defeat.