When tensions erupted in the Middle East on February 28, one of the immediate consequences was Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, in response to the joint airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
As a result, the global oil prices surged, and numerous vessels and seafarers became stranded within and around the strategic waterway.
The situation worsened after the United States imposed a naval blockade in the area, further restricting the movement of commercial vessels.
But now, a major relief has come following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran.
One of the key provisions of the agreement is the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for safe maritime navigation.
Following this development, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), announced a large-scale evacuation operation for seafarers stranded in the area.
In a statement, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said around 11,000 seafarers are expected to be evacuated under the operation.
According to the Oman Navy, the evacuation will be conducted through a phased approach to ensure the safety of all involved. No timeframe was provided.
Two temporary maritime corridors will be utilized for vessels departing the Strait of Hormuz, one to the north and another to the south of the existing Traffic Separation Scheme.
Meanwhile, ships will be contacted directly regarding their departure schedules and specific transit instructions.
Dominguez also assured that the necessary safety guarantees have been secured and that navigation conditions have been thoroughly verified before the operation proceeds.
It can be recalled that reports recently emerged claiming Iran had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz following Israel’s continuing military operations in Lebanon.
The United States, however, denied those reports and maintained that maritime traffic through the strait remains open.
The evacuation effort will be carried out in coordination with Iran, Oman, the United States, and other countries in the Middle East, according to the International Maritime Organization.