The International Maritime Organization (IMO) held an emergency meeting of its member states at its headquarters in London to discuss recent security developments in the Strait of Hormuz and the challenges facing maritime safety in the region.

During the session, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Domínguez delivered an urgent briefing outlining the latest information on vessel movements near the area, as well as the risks that current circumstances may pose to maritime security.

Iraq was represented by Captain Mazin Al-Kaabi, Deputy Permanent Representative and Maritime Attaché, along with Ms. Alia Al-Sayegh, First Secretary of the Iraqi Mission.

The Secretary-General urged member states to extend all possible forms of support to vessels operating near their coasts, particularly by providing food supplies, fuel, and communication facilities to enable seafarers to remain in contact with their families amid ongoing disruptions and interference in communications.

In his intervention, Captain Mazin Al-Kaabi referred to the recent fire incident involving two oil tankers in the regional waters, noting that Iraqi authorities—including the maritime teams of the General Company for Ports of Iraq and the Iraqi Naval Force—responded immediately to carry out rescue operations for the crews on board.

He highlighted that the rescue operations were conducted under the direct supervision of Dr. Eng. Farhan Al-Fartousi, Director General of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, and that the maritime teams successfully evacuated the seafarers, ensured their safety, and transferred them to Iraqi ports for necessary medical care.

The Secretary-General expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Iraq for the efforts undertaken by its competent authorities in rescuing the seafarers and providing them with medical assistance, praising the swift Iraqi response to the incident.

It was further announced that the IMO will convene another emergency meeting next Wednesday and Thursday, at the request of the Arab Group in the IMO Council, to examine the implications of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on international maritime safety.