UN, June 24 : The United Nations’ International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has launched a major operation to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors who have remained stranded in the Strait of Hormuz during months of conflict-related disruptions.
The evacuation follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities and restoring stability in the region.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the mission is being conducted in coordination with Iran, Oman, regional coastal states, the United States and key stakeholders from the maritime sector.
“We have secured the necessary safety guarantees and thoroughly assessed navigation conditions to support the operation,” Dominguez said.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, witnessed severe disruptions after Iran effectively restricted maritime movement following the outbreak of conflict on February 28. The latest operation is expected to facilitate the gradual return of commercial shipping activity.
Despite the ceasefire framework, differences remain over the future governance of the strategic passage.
During a visit to the United Arab Emirates, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said international shipping must continue to enjoy unrestricted access through the waterway.
“It’s an international waterway. No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway,” Rubio said.
Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, however, indicated that the Strait’s post-war arrangements would differ from those that existed before the conflict. While both sides have agreed to establish communication mechanisms to prevent future disruptions, issues related to navigation rights, security oversight and potential transit regulations remain unresolved.
The future status of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to feature prominently in ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran as efforts continue to secure long-term maritime stability in the Gulf region.