The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced that it will evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Gulf as a consequence of the United States‑Iran conflict. Secretary‑General Arsenio Domínguez said the operation will be carried out in cooperation with Iran, Oman, the United States and other coastal states in the region.
The evacuation hinges on the Strait of Hormuz remaining open, a passage that was effectively shut down after attacks began on 28 February. The blockade pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel and halted shipments of energy and fertilizers.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting the United Arab Emirates, warned that no country would be allowed to impose tolls on the Strait, calling it an international waterway bound by existing maritime law. “No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway,” he said upon arriving in the UAE.
The UN’s plan includes temporary routes through the strait, and the IMO will issue daily reports on ships vacating the region safely. Data from maritime intelligence firm Kpler shows that at least 172 vessels have crossed the reopened Strait since the ceasefire, though the daily average remains below pre‑conflict numbers.
The ceasefire also contains a memorandum of understanding that obligates Iran to allow IAEA inspections of its nuclear facilities. This agreement follows a tense exchange over nuclear monitoring and ballistic missile discussions, with Iranian officials stating they will not negotiate on defensive capabilities.
The UN’s evacuation effort marks a decisive move toward restoring maritime security and ending attacks on civilian shipping in the region. It underscores how international cooperation and compliance with international law are essential to safeguarding one of the world’s most vital maritime arteries.
