United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez have condemned the attack on a Palau-flagged tanker off the coast of Oman, in which three Indian seafarers were killed.
Spokesperson for the UN Chief, Stéphane Dujarric, said Mr Guterres is deeply concerned by the continuing escalation. Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the IMO underscored the need to protect seafarers, civilian shipping, and the freedom of navigation at all times.
The IMO said it is monitoring the situation closely and has called for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
On the situation in West Asia, Mr Guterres urged the parties to return to full implementation of the ceasefire and to avoid any further deterioration. The Secretary-General underscored that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms, in accordance with international law, must be respected.
On Wednesday, the United States struck a Palau-flagged tanker, MT Settebello, killing three out of the 24 Indian sailors on board.