UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) gears up to get more than 11,000 sailors out of Gulf. US-Israel conflict with Iran complicates situation. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said operation involves Iran,Oman,US,plus other regional states for safe passage.
Dominguez called it "massive undertaking" . He welcomed US-Iran peace deal,sees it as first step to secure seas. Stressed need to stop "unacceptable attacks against civilian shipping" in region.
Last week,an interim deal aimed at resolving conflict was reached. But disputes linger over Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) details. US claims MoU includes terms for IAEA inspections of Iran's nuclear program. On social media,US President Donald Trump said Iran agreed to extensive nuclear inspections,calling it a step toward "Nuclear Honesty."
Iran counters that IAEA won't inspect sites bombed by US and Israel last year . A US official said Iran agreed to thorough inspections of remaining nuclear sites,while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Iran won't negotiate its defense capabilities.
During UAE visit,US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran against imposing tolls on Strait of Hormuz. He said international law bans tolls for passage through this key waterway. Rubio's tour includes Kuwait and Bahrain,where US bases are located.
Getting sailors out depends on Strait staying open. IMO plans two temporary routes through strait. Ships will get specific instructions,with daily updates on safe departures. IMO's efforts follow Iran's closure of strait after February attacks,causing oil prices to spike past $100 per barrel and disrupting shipments.
Since Strait of Hormuz reopened,at least 172 vessels have crossed,including 42 in one day. But current traffic is far below pre-conflict average of about 138 daily crossings. Latest ship-tracking shows over 200 tankers still waiting in strait as of Tuesday.
Dominguez's comments show some hope as IMO works on evacuation plans. Can they ease seafarers' hardships and bring back stability to this crucial maritime route…
