The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced plans to evacuate over 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Middle East region following the signing of a peace agreement between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The large-scale evacuation operation, IMO said will be carried out in close cooperation with regional coastal states, the United States, Iran, Oman, and key stakeholders in the global maritime industry.
In a statement issued on Tuesday after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the United States, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez welcomed the agreement, describing it as a significant milestone in restoring maritime security and ending attacks on civilian shipping.
“After months of hardship and distress for thousands of innocent seafarers, and negative impact for the whole world, I welcome with deep satisfaction the peace agreement concluded between the United States and Iran, marking a decisive step towards restoring maritime security and bringing to an end the unacceptable attacks against civilian shipping,” Dominguez said.
He paid tribute to the 14 seafarers who lost their lives during the conflict, describing them as dedicated professionals whose service to global trade would not be forgotten.
“I want to pay tribute to the fourteen innocent seafarers who tragically lost their lives during this conflict. Their dedication in service of global trade will not be forgotten,” he stated.
According to the IMO chief, extensive preparations have been made to ensure the safe evacuation of the stranded seafarers and the resumption of normal maritime activities in the region.
“We will begin the implementation of the evacuation plan for over 11,000 seafarers still stranded in the region. This large-scale operation will be carried out in close cooperation with Iran, Oman, all other coastal States in the region, the United States and the maritime industry,” he said.
Dominguez added that the organization has secured the necessary safety guarantees and conducted thorough assessments of navigation conditions to support the operation.
“We have secured the necessary safety guarantees and have thoroughly verified the conditions for safe navigation to support these operations,” he noted.
The IMO Secretary-General reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to safeguarding seafarers and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of global trade.
“We remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of seafarers and the continuity of global trade,” he added.
The announcement is expected to bring relief to thousands of seafarers and shipping companies affected by months of instability and security concerns in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime regions.
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