Full Breakdown
IMO Launches Large-Scale Evacuation of Stranded Ships and Seafarers from the Persian Gulf
6/24/2026, 12:31:40 AM
Evacuation Plan Unveiled Amid Ceasefire
On 23 June 2026 the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced the start of a coordinated evacuation of vessels and more than 11 000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf since the U.S.–Israeli war against Iran. The operation will move ships through the Strait of Hormuz in partnership with the United States, Iran, Oman and other Gulf states, using temporary maritime corridors that avoid the pre-war Traffic Separation Scheme deemed unsafe because of mines.
Background: War-Induced Maritime Crisis
During the conflict Iran attacked commercial vessels, sinking or damaging at least 46 ships and killing 14 sailors. The dual blockades imposed by Iran and the United States halted most traffic through the strategic chokepoint, reducing daily transits from over 100 vessels pre-war to a handful. Ships remained anchored for more than three months, leaving crews in “months of hardship and distress,” according to IMO officials.
Key Actors Coordinating the Operation
- International Maritime Organization – led by Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez.
- Iran – co-signatory of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United States and provider of a northern maritime corridor.
- United States – cooperating on navigation safety and route monitoring.
- Oman – supplying a southern corridor along its coastline and issuing a defense-ministry bulletin on phased departures.
- Pakistan and Qatar – mediators facilitating the MOU and the evacuation plan.
- Maritime industry – responsible for contacting individual vessels and ensuring AIS remains active.
Scope and Numbers: Ships, Crews, and Losses
- Stranded vessels: reports range from “hundreds” to as many as 600 ships still awaiting clearance.
- Seafarers: more than 11 000 crew members are currently aboard the immobilised vessels.
- Casualties: 14 seafarers killed; 46 ships attacked during hostilities.
- Pre-war traffic: roughly one-fifth of global oil and a significant share of natural gas passed through the strait, with about 130 ships transiting daily before the conflict.
Operational Details: Routes, Phased Approach, and Safety Measures
The evacuation uses two temporary corridors: a southern route hugging Oman's coast and a northern route along Iran’s shoreline. Each corridor can accommodate 20–30 ships per day, far below the pre-war capacity of 130 vessels. Ships receive individual transit days, must keep AIS active, and conduct independent risk assessments. The traditional traffic separation scheme is avoided due to mined areas.
Official Statements & Responses
- The IMO affirmed that safety guarantees have been secured and navigation conditions verified.
- Oman’s defense ministry instructed vessels to follow the coastal route and confirmed U.S. military coordination.
- Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority pledged to clear vessels that submit passage requests promptly.
- The United States, via Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reiterated that “no country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway.”
- The MOU between Iran and the United States provides a 60-day period of toll-free passage, though Iran has hinted at future charges.
Criticism & Opposition
Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that the strait “will never return” to the unrestricted free-passage era, signaling potential future fees. The United States’ stance against any tolls reflects lingering tension over revenue and sovereignty concerns.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Number of stranded ships: sources cite “hundreds,” “600,” and “more than 600.”
- Casualty figures: some reports specify 14 sailors killed, while others reference 14 seafarers without confirming the exact count.
- Traffic levels: post-MOU transits rose to 93 vessels over a weekend, yet overall daily traffic remains at roughly 40 % of the pre-war average of 120 vessels.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have secured the necessary safety guarantees and have thoroughly verified the conditions for safe navigation to support these operations.” — Arsenio Domínguez, Secretary-General, IMO
- “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,” — Arsenio Domínguez, IMO
- “We have now started contacting the ships to start the evacuation,” — Spokesperson, International Maritime Organization
- “No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway.” — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- “will be cleared for passage promptly.” — Persian Gulf Strait Authority, Iran
- “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,” — Arsenio Domínguez, IMO
What’s Next: Ongoing Transits and Potential Toll Policy
The 60-day toll-free window established by the Iran-U.S. MOU will be monitored as ships continue to exit in phased batches. Iranian officials are studying cost structures for future services, while the United States maintains its opposition to any fees. Continued coordination among the IMO, regional states and the maritime industry will determine the pace of full restoration of pre-war traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
