Escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have trapped 6,000 sailors and triggered warnings from global maritime authorities, while Iran signals a new military response to potential U.S.-Israeli actions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) confirmed Sunday that commercial shipping remains at heightened risk following reports of 24 ship attacks in the waterway over the past two weeks. The IMO’s Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, urged vessels to avoid the strait until safety guarantees are secured, citing ongoing threats to civilian crews.
Iran’s new military response plan
A senior Iranian security official, Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, stated Sunday that Tehran has prepared a ‘far more devastating’ operational plan in response to any renewed U.S.-Israeli attacks. Rezaei’s remarks, posted on X (formerly Twitter), referenced past conflicts, including Israel’s 12-day and 40-day offensives in June and February 2025, respectively. He added that Iran’s response would not adhere to conventional rules of engagement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that while Iran would not yield to pressure, the country remains open to dialogue.
Maritime incidents and military communications
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported multiple attacks on commercial vessels in the region over the weekend. A tugboat traveling northeast of the United Arab Emirates was struck by two unknown projectiles on Sunday. Separately, a liquefied natural gas tanker southwest of Yemen reported being approached by a small skiff with seven individuals onboard, which fired twice before the tanker’s security team responded with warning shots. Another tanker northeast of Saudi Arabia also reported an incident, though details remain unconfirmed.
The IMO’s Dominguez highlighted concerns over VHF Channel 16, an internationally designated maritime distress channel, which Iran alleges was repeatedly occupied by U.S. military forces in the Persian Gulf to intimidate Iranian crews. Iran’s October 9 letter to the IMO described the channel’s prolonged use as a violation of maritime safety protocols. The U.S. has not publicly addressed these claims.
Humanitarian and economic impacts
The IMO warned that seafarers have continued to perish in the attacks, with 6,000 sailors stranded near the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict’s escalation. Dominguez emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that the region faces a ‘double blockade’ due to the combined risks of attacks and restricted navigation. The strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has seen commercial traffic disrupted amid the growing instability.
U.S. stance on military options
Former U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated last week that the U.S. does not intend to use nuclear weapons against Iran or deploy ground troops. In an interview with Newsmax, Trump stated, ‘I wouldn’t use nuclear. We don’t have to. We’re the greatest nuclear power in the world.’ He also dismissed reports that the U.S. was considering deploying the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), widely known as the ‘Mother of All Bombs.’
The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic channels active but no immediate resolution in sight. Maritime authorities continue to monitor the strait, while Iran’s military posturing signals a potential escalation if tensions persist.