The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced plans to begin the evacuation of more than 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz region following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the United States.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the organization would launch the large-scale operation in cooperation with Iran, Oman, other coastal states in the region, the United States, and the maritime industry. The plan follows what the IMO described as a step toward restoring maritime security and ending attacks against civilian shipping.
In a statement, Dominguez welcomed the agreement between the United States and Iran, describing it as a significant development after months of hardship and distress for seafarers and disruption to global trade. He said the agreement marked progress toward improving maritime security in the region.
The IMO chief paid tribute to 14 seafarers who died during the conflict, stating that their service to global trade would not be forgotten. The organization did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The evacuation operation will focus on assisting seafarers who remain stranded in the region after disruptions to maritime movement. According to the IMO, necessary safety guarantees have been secured and conditions for safe navigation have been verified to support the planned operations.
The organization said the evacuation would be carried out through coordination between governments, regional authorities, and representatives of the maritime sector. Iran, Oman, other coastal states, the United States, and industry partners will participate in efforts to facilitate the movement of affected crews.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major global shipping route, and disruptions in the area have affected maritime activity and international trade flows. The IMO said ensuring the safety of seafarers and maintaining continuity in global commerce remain central to its efforts.
Dominguez said the IMO remains committed to protecting seafarers and supporting the uninterrupted movement of goods through international shipping networks. The organization will oversee the implementation of the evacuation plan as cooperation between participating parties moves forward.
