Over 1,500 ships and 20,000 crew stranded as Hormuz blockade deepens Gulf crisis: IMO

The Strait of Hormuz blockade is severely disrupting global maritime trade, with approximately 1,500 ships and nearly 20,000 crew members stranded. This crisis stems from the escalation of the Middle East conflict following Israeli and US military actions against Iran. The IMO is urging caution and discouraging further ship deployments to prevent casualties and economic losses, while the US awaits Iran's response and continues diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation.