**UN Begins Evacuation of Over 11,000 Sailors Stranded in the Strait of Hormuz**
The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) has initiated the evacuation of more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. This operation follows a recent memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran, aimed at de-escalating tensions stemming from the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez announced the commencement of the evacuation on Tuesday, stating that the operation would be executed in close collaboration with Iran, Oman, and other coastal states in the region, as well as the United States and the maritime industry. Dominguez emphasized that safety guarantees have been secured and conditions for safe navigation have been thoroughly verified to facilitate the evacuation.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has been critical since the onset of hostilities on February 28, when Iran effectively closed the strait, leaving numerous vessels stranded. However, following the signing of the peace agreement last week, shipping traffic has seen a significant increase. According to Kpler shipping intelligence, at least 36 commercial vessels successfully passed through the strait on Monday, marking the highest level of traffic since the conflict began.
Oman's Defence Ministry has indicated that the evacuation will be conducted in phases, citing the heightened risk of collisions in the current maritime environment. The ministry stated that a gradual and controlled evacuation of vessel traffic is essential to ensure safety.
In a related development, Denmark announced its participation in an international maritime mission alongside France and Britain, aimed at reopening the vital waterway. This coalition reflects the international community's concern over the stability of maritime operations in the region.
Reporting from the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi noted that discussions between the US and Iran regarding a peace deal have shown signs of improvement. A joint statement from Omani and Iranian officials indicated that they are exploring mechanisms to restore trade through the Strait of Hormuz, which is a positive development amidst ongoing tensions. However, the timeline for fully reopening the strait remains uncertain, with hundreds of ships still stranded on both sides.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, reiterated that Iran would not be permitted to impose tolls or fees on the strait under any final agreement with the US. He emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and that no country has the right to charge for passage. Rubio expressed confidence that regional countries would concur with this stance.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Tehran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has asserted that the Strait of Hormuz "will never return" to its pre-war status, highlighting the complexities of the ongoing negotiations and the potential for lasting changes in the region's maritime dynamics.
As the evacuation operation unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures the safety of maritime navigation and the well-being of the stranded sailors.