Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported that 115 ships carrying approximately 2,500 crew members have left the Gulf within the first three and a half days of a UN-led evacuation operation in the Strait of Hormuz. This is part of an effort to rescue about 11,000 mariners stranded on around 600 vessels since the conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran began in late February.
The evacuation was paused after the container ship Ever Lovely was attacked near Oman’s coast. Arsenio Dominguez, head of the IMO, stated that the Ever Lovely was not part of the evacuation and had not contacted Omani authorities for transit clearance under the evacuation framework. Investigations into the attack are ongoing.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for nearly 20% of the world's oil shipments, has become central to the recent peace agreement signed by Washington and Tehran. Despite the cessation of hostilities and reopening of the waterway, the agreement did not clarify ultimate authority over navigation.
Iran has asserted that only its authorized routes should be used, while many vessels have followed a corridor near Oman’s coast under arrangements by Oman, the US, and the IMO. This dual arrangement has contributed to instability, highlighted by the recent attack. Iranian authorities reiterated claims to regulate maritime traffic, heightening uncertainty about safety and governance in the strait.
Mr. Dominguez emphasized that his priority is not interpreting the diplomatic accord but restoring assurances that ships and their crews will not face threats or attacks, regardless of the route taken through the strait.