Iran rejects maritime security claims at IMO meeting amid regional tensions

At the 128th International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council meeting in London, the Iranian delegation dismissed allegations from United States and Israeli representatives regarding the protection of vital shipping routes as “baseless and politically motivated.” Iran specifically rejected claims concerning maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the United States cannot claim to defend freedom of navigation while maintaining an illegal maritime blockade of Iranian ports.

The Iranian delegation submitted two official documents to the Council addressing the consequences of military aggression against its maritime infrastructure. They asserted that since military aggression began on March 1, 2026, Iranian maritime infrastructure, commercial vessels, and essential safety services have suffered extensive damage. Iran also denied attempts to link the actions of Yemeni forces to Tehran, stating that Yemen is a sovereign nation acting on its own interests.

In a separate context, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that resuming war would benefit no one, following reports of U.S. airstrikes on Qeshm Island. While Pezeshkian emphasized a desire to resolve the crisis through dialogue, citing new negotiation authorities granted by the Supreme Leader, other Iranian officials, such as senior negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, stated the country remains ready for combat. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump described recent strikes on Qeshm as a “small attack” targeting defensive facilities, even as he noted that reaching an agreement with Iran remains possible.