As tensions continue to rise around the Middle East Gulf, the IMO has condemned the spring's spate of tanker attacks.

The UN-backed maritime authority's council Thursday said the six attacks in the region, four in May and two in June, pose "grave danger to life" and "serious risk to navigational safety".

“Threats to ships and their crews, peaceably going about their business in any part of the world, are intolerable," said IMO secretary general Kitack Lim.