US and Iran Exchange Fire Again, 6,000 Seafarers Still Trapped in Gulf; UN Maritime Chief Calls for Restraint

Key News on US-Iran War

Central Message

(Central News Agency, London, July 8, Comprehensive Foreign News) Amidst a new wave of attacks launched by the US and Iran, approximately 6,000 seafarers remain trapped in the Persian Gulf. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO), called today for maximum restraint and de-escalation from all parties.

According to a report by Agence France-Presse, Dominguez stated in a release: "These attacks exacerbate the fear, uncertainty, and psychological stress already endured by nearly 6,000 trapped seafarers, who remain stranded on their vessels, unable to safely leave the Persian Gulf."

Following Iran's attack on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which triggered an exchange of fire between the US and Iran, US President Donald Trump stated earlier today that the ceasefire between the US and Iran has ended, but he did not rule out the possibility of further negotiations.

This wave of conflict between the US and Iran originated from a large-scale US-led airstrike on Iran in late February. The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic transportation route, remains a flashpoint for the conflict.

Iran insists on controlling the waterway, claiming it will charge fees for passage and threatening to strike ships deviating from its authorized routes.

Recently, the Iranian military attacked at least 3 vessels, leading to a large-scale US airstrike on Iranian targets yesterday. Subsequently, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on Persian Gulf nations.

Dominguez stated, "I condemn the attacks on multiple vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz over the past two days." He added that "innocent seafarers" are in "extreme danger."

He called on "all involved nations to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate the situation immediately, and facilitate the safe departure of vessels still trapped in the Persian Gulf following the outbreak of the crisis."

He emphasized: "The safety of seafarers must be our top priority." (Compiled by Yang Zhaoyan) 1150708

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