[The security situation in the Strait of Hormuz deteriorates and six ships were attacked in one day] On October 17, Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, said in an exclusive interview with reporters on the 16th that the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters continues to deteriorate, and the risk of ship passage has not been reduced. He emphasized that shipping should not be used as a pressure tool in conflicts. Only by addressing the root causes of the crisis can all parties to the conflict create conditions for the restoration of shipping safety in the region. According to data released on the official website of the International Maritime Organization, from October 5th to 11th, 12 attacks on ships were reported in the strait and surrounding waters, which was the highest number in a single week since the outbreak of the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iraq at the end of February. On October 11 alone, six ships were attacked. (Xinhua News Agency)