Published on: 2026-05-04
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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Against the backdrop of mutual accusations between Iran and the USA regarding violations of the ceasefire regime in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, the UN has once again called on civilian vessels to exercise “maximum caution.”
“We are aware of these security threat reports, but we do not have details. We urge the court to exercise maximum caution in this area,” said the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is currently verifying information about recent attacks.
According to the data of the British Navy Sea Transport Coordination Center(UKMTO), on May 4, a tanker was shelled north of Fujairah (UAE), and earlier in the day, several boats attacked a cargo ship near the Iranian coast. Other vessels in this area were instructed by radio to leave their anchorage.
Since the end of February, UKMTO has received reports of at least 41 incidents involving vessels in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman.
On Monday, Iran claimed that it struck a U.S. military ship attempting to enter the strait, but the United States denied this report. Late Sunday evening, President Donald Trump wrote on social media that the U.S. would assist ships leaving the strait, which have been there for several months.
What the International Maritime Organization does
The International Maritime Organization of the UN, together with shipping companies, is developing action plans for emergencies, including the possible safe evacuation of ships and crews located in the conflict zone.
About 800 vessels may be involved in such an evacuation in the current situation, engaged in international transportation, including oil tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships transporting energy resources and raw materials. The crew of one ship consists on average of 25 sailors.
Military escorts are ‘not a solution’
“In the event of any escalation of conflict, all people on board vessels of any type in the Persian Gulf area will be in the danger zone,” the IMO warned, indicating dangers related both to shelling and potential shortages of food and water on board. About 450 sailors received assistance, while tens of thousands remain at sea.
The International Maritime Organization also stated that escorting civilian vessels by warships by itself will not solve the problem. IMO called for de-escalation and the conclusion of a long-term agreement to ensure safe shipping.
“Extreme instability” in Lebanon
Meanwhile, the unstable situation in Lebanon, which has developed after the ceasefire, continues to complicate the work of an already overloaded healthcare system, and periodic armed clashes hinder the provision of medical assistance.
According to the latest UN data, the situation remains “extremely unstable,” especially in the southern region and settlements where displaced persons are trying to return.
Access to medical services for the population is severely limited. Three hospitals and 41 primary healthcare centers still do not operate, and several others function only partially, focusing on providing emergency care and treatment of chronic diseases.
Drug overdose
The UN also reports on the shortage of essential medicines, including drugs for the treatment of non-communicable diseases, as well as medical supplies.
Representatives of Lebanon’s health authorities warn that if the existing problems are not resolved, the number of complications and deaths will sharply increase.
Despite access problems, humanitarian institutions and UN partners continue to expand support, including tuberculosis screening among displaced persons: over the past weeks, more than 750 people have undergone this procedure.
Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the source of information. It represents an accurate report of what the source states and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.