LONDON, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), said on Thursday that naval escorts are not a long-term sustainable solution to the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at a press conference after the 36th extraordinary session of the IMO Council, Dominguez said naval escorts cannot guarantee full safety, as vessels may still be targeted and risks remain.

He noted that such measures will not eliminate the stress and danger currently faced by seafarers. "It is not a 100 percent safe arrangement, and it is not a long-term sustainable solution," he said.

Dominguez stressed that only an end to the conflict can prevent shipping from becoming collateral damage. While acknowledging that the root causes of the crisis lie beyond the IMO's mandate, he said he continues to work with countries engaged in diplomatic efforts to address the situation.

"These negotiations bring parties to the table and find solutions that would allow shipping to continue to operate," he said.

In recent days, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged European countries and other allies to join naval escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz. However, European powers have largely rebuffed the request, citing concerns that direct military involvement would escalate regional tensions and risk drawing them into a wider conflict. ■