The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) will begin evacuating more than 11,000 seafarers who have remained stranded in the Gulf since the outbreak of the war.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez welcomed the peace agreement reached between the United States and Iran, saying it was an important step towards restoring maritime security and ending attacks on civilian shipping.
“After months of hardship and distress for thousands of innocent seafarers, and the negative impact for the whole world, I welcome with deep satisfaction the peace agreement concluded between the United States and Iran,” Dominguez said in a statement.
He said the agreement marked a “decisive step” towards improving maritime safety and bringing an end to the unacceptable attacks that had affected civilian vessels.
Dominguez stated that the large-scale evacuation operation would be conducted in close coordination with Iran, Oman, other coastal states in the region, the United States and representatives of the maritime industry.
He added that the IMO had secured the required safety guarantees and thoroughly assessed conditions to ensure safe navigation during the evacuation process.
The organisation said the measures were aimed at supporting the safe movement of seafarers and restoring stability in regional maritime operations.