LONDON, March 19, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Gulf states and Western nations strongly criticised Iran at an emergency meeting Wednesday of the UN's maritime body, convened amid growing fears for thousands of stranded ships and seafarers. Numerous nations used opening statements at the International Maritime Organization gathering to lambast Tehran's response to US-Israeli strikes, which has seen Iran target Gulf countries and commercial shipping. "Qatar resolutely condemns the attacks and threats from ... Iran perpetrated against merchant vessels and seafarers as well as shipping infrastructure in the region," the Gulf state's IMO delegate told the meeting. - 'Unlawful' -In response, Iran blamed "the recent unlawful use of force and military aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime". - 'Maritime corridor' -Maritime industry bodies have echoed that, urging a "coordinated international approach to security" while demanding that "seafarer welfare must be taken into account".

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 19, 2026 03:16 UTC