IMO begins evacuation of 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced the start of an operation to evacuate thousands of seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stated that the plan involves the evacuation of more than 11,000 seafarers. “We will begin implementing the evacuation plan for more than 11,000 seafarers who remain stranded in the region,” Dominguez said. He noted that the IMO has provided all necessary security guarantees and is confident that current conditions allow ships to transit safely. The large-scale operation is being conducted in close cooperation with Iran, Oman, all other coastal states in the region, the United States, and the maritime industry. The evacuation follows a memorandum signed remotely by Iran and the US on 18 June to end the military conflict that had been ongoing since 28 February. The MoU also sets a deadline for the US to lift its naval blockade and for Iran to restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Under the agreement, Iran has also committed not to acquire nuclear weapons, while issues related to its nuclear programme will be resolved through a separate agreement. Both sides are expected to negotiate this issue over the next 60 days, with Iran’s primary objective being the lifting of a series of sanctions imposed against it.