IMO rejects Iran's measures on Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN, Iran — LONDON — The International Maritime Organization has rejected Iran's recent actions in the Strait of Hormuz and called on member states not to recognize them, according to a circular issued Friday. The IMO said Iran's decisions regarding the strait were unilateral and unacceptable, and condemned Tehran's effort to establish an independent structure to control navigation in the waterway. Iran has previously said the Strait of Hormuz is not a place for military displays by outside powers, responding to remarks by Britain and France about shipping in the area. Bloomberg reported Sunday, citing Western military assessments, that the threat in the strait is significant and that mines have been found in the critical waterway. The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and carries a major share of global oil and gas trade, much of it heading to Asian markets including China. No further details on Iran's next steps or any coordinated international response were immediately available.