1,500 Ships Stranded in Gulf Amid Iran-US Tensions

May 7, 2026

59 min

May 7, 2026 21:30

Some 1,500 ships trapped in Gulf due to Iran-US conflict: IMO

## Strait of Hormuz Blockade

Approximately 1,500 ships and their crews are currently stranded in the Gulf due to an Iranian blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. This situation has arisen from the ongoing conflict between Iran and a coalition led by Israel and the United States, which began on February 28, 2026.

## Impact on Global Trade

The blockade of this critical maritime passage has significant implications for global trade, as the Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for petroleum and gas transport. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has highlighted that maritime shipping accounts for over 80% of global product transportation.

## Humanitarian Concerns

The IMO's secretary-general, Arsenio Dominguez, reported that around 20,000 crew members are affected, with ten sailors having lost their lives in over 30 attacks on vessels. He emphasized the need to avoid sending more ships to the area to prevent further casualties and economic losses.

## US Response

Initially, the United States planned a naval operation to escort the trapped ships and reopen the strait. However, this plan was aborted, and the US is now awaiting Iran's response to proposals aimed at resolving the conflict and lifting the blockade.

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