Briefing the UN Security Council, Assistant Secretary-General Khalid Khiari reported dozens of fatal maritime encounters verified through November 11 by the International Maritime Organisation. Attacks on commercial vessels reached a record monthly high in October, prompting urgent international demands to halt civilian targeting. The crisis has disrupted roughly 1,600 vessels and left more than 23,000 crew members stranded aboard their ships.
Key points
UN officials demanded an immediate end to civilian ship attacks to prevent the crisis fro…: UN officials demanded an immediate end to civilian ship attacks to prevent the crisis from becoming a new normal.
Escalating maritime disruptions are driving up global insurance, transportation, and inte…: Escalating maritime disruptions are driving up global insurance, transportation, and international energy costs.
Ongoing commercial shipping instability in the Middle East poses a growing threat to worl…: Ongoing commercial shipping instability in the Middle East poses a growing threat to worldwide food security.
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As many as 25 seafarers have been killed in 134 confirmed maritime incidents across the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Middle East since the US and Israeli started war on Iran in February, according to Khalid Khiari, UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific.
Briefing the UN Security Council on Friday, Khiari cited figures from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) covering incidents recorded up to November 11.
He said October saw the highest monthly number of incidents involving commercial shipping since February, warning that continued disruption was driving up energy, transport and insurance costs and threatening global food security.
“This situation cannot be allowed to become the new normal,” Khiari said, calling for an immediate end to attacks on civilian vessels and the restoration of safe maritime navigation.
Bahrain’s representative told the meeting that about 1,600 vessels had been affected by disruptions in the waterway, leaving more than 23,000 seafarers stranded aboard their ships.
India marked the 137th birth anniversary of its first prime minister on November 14, an occasion nationally celebrated as Bal Diwas or Children's Day. Leaders across party lines recognized his foundational role in the freedom struggle and his post-independence leadership that shaped the country. The annual commemoration reflects his enduring political legacy as well as his notable affection for the nation's youth.
The Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated that India maintains an established national policy regarding external engagements. The statement follows an invitation extended to Bhagwant Mann for an event in Lahore, alongside references by the Centre to the Pahalgam attack.
Federal authorities have backed away from attempts to suppress digital platforms that alert the public to immigration enforcement operations. The policy reversal follows advocacy efforts highlighted by FIRE regarding tools used to monitor regional enforcement actions. This resolution removes impending federal restrictions targeting civilian tracking of immigration agents.