UN to Evacuate Sailors in Strait of Hormuz Amid US-Iran Tensions

UN says it will evacuate sailors – The United Nations has confirmed it will evacuate sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, addressing the urgent need to ensure safe passage for maritime traffic in the region. This decision comes as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), under the leadership of Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, mobilizes a coordinated effort to assist over 11,000 seafarers trapped due to the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. The evacuation plan aims to stabilize the Gulf’s vital shipping lanes, which have been disrupted by recent hostilities. Collaborative actions with Iran, Oman, the United States, and Gulf nations are expected to facilitate the process, according to diplomatic sources.

UN Evacuation Plan and Ceasefire Agreement

“The UN has decided to initiate the evacuation of sailors in the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring they can return to safer waters,” Dominguez emphasized.

The operation follows an interim agreement signed last week to halt hostilities, though discussions on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran continue. The UN’s involvement underscores its commitment to resolving the crisis, with the IMO playing a central role in orchestrating the logistics. This step is seen as a critical measure to protect civilian shipping and prevent further economic repercussions.

President Donald Trump highlighted Iran’s acceptance of nuclear inspections, claiming the agreement includes “infinite” oversight of the country’s program. However, Iran quickly denied the IAEA’s access to nuclear sites struck during US-Israeli strikes in 2023. Despite this, the UN has reiterated its support for the MoU, framing it as a foundation for restoring calm. “The UN says it will evacuate sailors as part of this broader effort to secure global maritime security,” a spokesperson added, emphasizing the multilateral approach.

Regional Cooperation and Maritime Security

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, currently touring the Gulf, has stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. “The UN says it will evacuate sailors, but this requires all parties to maintain freedom of navigation,” he stated during a stop in the UAE. Rubio warned against imposing tolls on the strait, calling it an international waterway protected by existing agreements. His comments align with the UN’s goal of ensuring unimpeded traffic, which is essential for global trade and energy supplies.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated his country’s stance on defensive capabilities, stating, “The UN says it will evacuate sailors, but Iran will not compromise on its right to protect itself.” This declaration occurred amid discussions between the US and Iran, with Pezeshkian emphasizing that the MoU does not address ballistic missile deployment. Meanwhile, the IMO has proposed two temporary routes for the evacuation, with Oman acting as a regional coordinator to guide vessels through the process.

The UN’s evacuation plan has already seen some progress, with 172 ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz since February 28. Notably, 42 vessels passed through on Saturday alone, a positive sign for the operation. However, the number remains far below the pre-conflict average of around 138 daily crossings. The IMO continues to monitor the situation, with daily updates provided to track the movement of seafarers. “The UN says it will evacuate sailors to restore normalcy,” Dominguez noted, as the initiative gains momentum.

As the evacuation continues, the UN’s role in mediating the crisis remains pivotal. The organization has worked closely with the shipping industry to coordinate the safe return of vessels, while also addressing concerns over tolls and trade disruptions. With over 200 tankers still waiting in the strait, the success of the UN’s efforts hinges on sustained cooperation among all involved nations. This operation not only aids seafarers but also aims to mitigate the financial strain on global markets caused by the prolonged closure of the critical waterway.