U.N. begins evacuation of 11,000 seafarers stranded in Persian Gulf after truce
The International Maritime Organization launched a plan to evacuate over 11,000 seafarers whose ships have been stuck in the Persian Gulf since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran in late February.
Evacuation of stranded crews underway
On Tuesday, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) began contacting ships to start the evacuation of more than 11,000 seafarers still trapped in the Persian Gulf region. The operation, coordinated with Iran, Oman, other Gulf states, the United States, and the shipping industry, follows a framework peace agreement signed last week.
After months of hardship and distress for thousands of innocent seafarers and negative consequences for the whole world, I welcome the peace agreement with deep satisfaction.
Safety corridors and mine threats
Oman's defence ministry said the evacuation will be phased because of a heightened collision risk; the existing traffic separation system through Iranian and Omani waters is “currently not safe to use.” Two temporary corridors, north and south of the previous route, have been established. Mines remain one of the biggest dangers, and ships are being contacted individually about their assigned transit day.
Gradual return of traffic
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has already picked up. On Monday, 36 cargo ships passed through, according to vessel-tracking firm Kpler, the highest number since the start of the conflict. The IMO estimates up to 600 ships are still stuck; German shipowners alone have about 45 vessels waiting, with Hapag-Lloyd preparing four charter ships to move only “when it is safe.”
- Iran blocks Strait of Hormuz after US-Israeli attacks begin
- US and Iran sign framework peace agreement, reopening the strait
- 36 cargo ships transit the strait, highest number since conflict began
- IMO begins evacuation of over 11,000 stranded seafarers
Dispute over passage tolls
During a Gulf tour, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted that Washington will not accept tolls or fees for using the waterway. Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is in Oman discussing the strait's administration, stated the passage will not return to the pre-war model of free operation and will remain under Iranian “administration.”
Washington will not accept the imposition of tolls or tariffs for the use of the maritime route.
The passage will not return to the pre-war model of free operation and will remain under Iranian administration.
War toll and next steps
During the conflict, 46 ships were attacked and 14 sailors killed. The IMO condemned the attacks on civilian shipping. Mediated talks by Pakistan and Qatar aim for a definitive agreement within a renewable 60-day window, while the US works to reassure Gulf allies concerned that Tehran could emerge strengthened from the deal.
