US Vice President JD Vance announced Iran agreed to establish a direct communication channel between the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and US Central Command to prevent escalation, while an unidentified projectile damaged a Singapore-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz and Israeli forces killed three in Lebanon.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait lifted restrictions allowing the US military access to their bases and airspace, enabling Washington to resume Operation Freedom to secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid Iranian blockade affecting 1,500 vessels.
The UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Japan will contribute to efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after Iran's retaliatory actions against energy infrastructure in the Gulf. A joint statement condemned these actions.
20,000 sailors and 15,000 passengers stranded in the Persian Gulf.
The International Maritime Organization confirmed that the 2010 Hazardous Substances Convention enters force November 29, 2027, establishing the first international framework compensating victims of maritime accidents involving dangerous cargo, with maximum indemnification reaching 360 million dollars.
Iran's attempt to impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz faced rejection from the United States, Britain, and the International Maritime Organization, citing no legal basis, while 20,000 sailors on 2,000 trapped vessels face humanitarian concerns amid regional tensions.
The US and Israel are involved in a conflict with Iran. Tensions are rising in the Middle East. A live update is being provided on the situation.
The International Maritime Organization celebrated the International Day of Women in Maritime on May 18.
President Trump announced Iran agreed to permanently reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commercial transit, though the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian shipping remains in effect until negotiations conclude, signaling de-escalation amid regional tensions.
The US military bombed Iranian anti-ship missile batteries near the Strait of Hormuz. The attack used bunker-busting bombs. The International Maritime Organization warned naval escorts cannot guarantee safe navigation.