Published on: 2026-07-08
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 8, 2026 Peace and Security
The resumption of attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz has led to destabilization of energy markets. The head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, condemned the “reckless attacks” in the narrow waterway, which is a vital artery for meeting global energy needs. The UN agency calls for “maximum restraint and de-escalation.”
It is reported that in the last two days, three merchant ships, as well as Iranian facilities, have been attacked.
Significant risk
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the resumption of mutual strikes between the US and Iran in the last 24 hours is alarming and risks undermining the diplomatic progress made since the agreement on the principles of a ceasefire was reached in April.
“A return to full-scale military actions would have catastrophic consequences for the peoples of the region, for international peace and security, as well as for the entire global economy,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
“These reckless attacks have once again put innocent sailors in mortal danger. No sailor should risk their life simply because of doing their job,” emphasized Dominguez, calling on flag states, shipowners, and operators not to expose crews to “unjustified risks” when transiting the strait. About 6,000 sailors remain blocked in the Strait of Hormuz area on hundreds of ships; previously, an average of about 130 ships passed through it daily.
Today, transportation volumes on this route have significantly decreased, although shipping had begun to recover before the latest escalation. This occurred within the framework of a temporary ceasefire established in the memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran last month.
Commenting on the escalation of the situation, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) noted that the already difficult situation of countries dependent on energy supplies from the Persian Gulf will continue to worsen.
“We can expect that prices and their volatility will remain high, and supply disruptions — especially in local markets — will continue in the coming months,” said Dario Ligutti, head of the UNECE Sustainable Energy Division.
The economist explained that although a global shortage of fuel and fertilizers has so far been avoided, the consequences of disruptions will still be felt “even if the situation quickly normalizes.” In addition, Ligutti emphasized that strategic oil reserves are currently at their lowest level in decades.
“If instability persists, we should prepare for a new price surge and a more extensive raw material shortage,” he said in an interview with the UN News Service.
Abnormal heat intensifies uncertainty
The situation is complicated by extreme heat waves this summer, caused by the powerful climate phenomenon El Niño. According to forecasts, this natural phenomenon will only intensify in the coming months. As Ligutti explained, this will lead to increased energy consumption for cooling premises, create additional strain on the energy infrastructure, and limit access to water resources necessary for cooling power plants.
To mitigate the consequences, including for the transportation system, a representative of the UN ECE emphasized the urgent need to increase resilience to new energy shocks. To achieve this, it is important to save energy through efficiency measures, reduce the burden of cutting overall energy consumption, and replenish reserves.
“In the longer term, we also note a renewed interest from many countries in investing in their own energy production and distribution, as well as in renewable sources,” Liguti said.
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