Iran and Oman have agreed to coordinate the evacuation of more than 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, in cooperation with the United States and neighboring coastal states, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced Tuesday. This large-scale operation follows ongoing disruptions linked to the conflict between the US and Israel against Iran, which began on February 28.
The IMO confirmed that sufficient safety guarantees have been secured to facilitate the evacuation and safe navigation of vessels in the strategically vital waterway. “We have secured the necessary safety guarantees and have thoroughly verified the conditions for safe navigation to support these operations,” said IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to protecting seafarers and ensuring the continuity of global trade.
Despite the positive developments, the evacuation process is expected to be complex and gradual. Shipmasters are advised not to move autonomously and must instead await instructions from coordinating authorities. While vessels may select their preferred routes and work with coastal authorities to plan their passage, Iran and Oman have taken responsibility for managing traffic flow to avoid collisions and maintain safety.
In recent days, some ships have managed to exit the strait following a memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran, which provides a 60-day window to reach a more comprehensive agreement. However, the Joint Maritime Information Center has reported ongoing Iranian harassment and surveillance of vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, raising concerns about the strait’s security.
Iran and Oman are also negotiating a framework for their future joint oversight of the strait, including discussions on cost management. Oman’s Foreign Ministry stated it aims to guarantee freedom of navigation without imposing transit fees. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have suggested charging ships for “safe passage” services, which some shipping experts interpret as a veiled toll.
The issue of transit fees has drawn criticism from international actors. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, reaffirmed that no country has the right to levy charges on ships passing through the strait, citing established international law. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has floated the idea of imposing American tolls on shipping through the waterway. In a recent social media post, Trump asserted that no charges would be accepted unless they were “imposed by and for the United States of America.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial chokepoint for global oil supplies and maritime trade, and the resolution of navigational and security issues there is closely watched by the international community. In response to the announcement of renewed evacuation efforts, Brent crude prices dropped to $73.04 per barrel on Wednesday, marking their lowest level since before the conflict’s outbreak, while U.S. stock markets showed modest gains amid hopes for a swift return of regular shipping traffic.