The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, has clearly stated that no country has the legal right to block or close the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, April 13, 2026, Dominguez stressed that international law guarantees the freedom of navigation and the right of innocent passage through important international straits used for global trade. He said, “In accordance with international law, no countries have the right to prohibit the right of innocent passage or the freedom of navigation through international straits.”
His remarks came amid rising tensions in the Middle East following the US-Iran conflict and recent threats of a naval blockade. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical shipping routes. Around 20% of global oil and a large share of liquefied natural gas pass through this narrow waterway every day.
Any disruption in the strait can cause serious problems. It can push up oil prices, increase shipping costs, and create supply chain issues for many countries, including Pakistan, India, Japan, China, and Europe.
The IMO chief also warned against any attempts to charge tolls or introduce payments for ships passing through the strait, calling such actions illegal and dangerous for global shipping.
His statement highlights the importance of respecting maritime law and avoiding escalation. With thousands of seafarers and hundreds of merchant vessels affected, the international community is calling for calm and diplomatic solutions to restore safe passage.
