The United Nations' International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has launched a large-scale operation to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz following the signed MoU between US and Iran to end the war.
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IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, according to reports, said the operation is being carried out in close coordination with Iran, Oman, other coastal states in the region, the United States and the maritime industry.
"We have secured the necessary safety guarantees and have thoroughly verified the conditions for safe navigation to support these operations," Dominguez said.
The evacuation comes after months of disruption in the strategic waterway, which was effectively closed by Iran following the outbreak of conflict on February 28.
Dispute over future control of Strait
Even as shipping gradually returns, disagreements persist over the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to the United Arab Emirates, reiterated that Iran would not be permitted to impose tolls on vessels using the waterway under any final agreement.
"It’s an international waterway. No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway," Rubio said.
Iran's chief negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, however, has maintained that the Strait of Hormuz "will never return" to its pre-war status, despite agreements to establish communication channels aimed at preventing future disruptions.
The issue of control, navigation rights and possible transit charges is expected to remain a key point of contention as negotiations continue between Washington and Tehran.
