Tehran: Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadeq, has stated that the existing 'cruel and unilateral' sanctions against her country's maritime transport are detrimental to regional and international cooperation on navigation. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Sadeq made these remarks in Tehran on Wednesday during a meeting with Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Iranian minister emphasized that Iran has been a pioneer in advancing IMO policies and plans aimed at enhancing navigation safety and security. Sadeq further elaborated that the administration of President Masoud Pezeshkian is actively working on developing regional cooperation with neighboring countries. However, she highlighted that the harsh sanctions are impeding both regional and extra-regional collaboration on maritime issues and navigation. On his part, the IMO Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, acknowledged that the sanctions are significantly harming cooperation on navigation safety and security. He added that the organization does not recognize sanctions imposed on its member states and expressed support for any actions aimed at promoting peace in the region, especially considering the current conditions in West Asia.