The International Maritime Organization (IMO) released operational details on Wednesday for a massive evacuation plan. The initiative aims to rescue seafarers stranded near the Strait of Hormuz.
Currently, more than 11,000 seafarers aboard 500 to 600 vessels remain stuck in the Gulf region. The IMO is ordering these ships to hold their positions and await direct instructions. Officials stated that moving independently risks causing severe traffic congestion. Standing still also protects crews from naval mines and hazardous navigation conditions.
Dual Transit Routes Established
The UN’s evacuation strategy sets up two temporary transit channels through the Strait of Hormuz:
The Northern Route: This path runs directly through Iranian territorial waters.
The Southern Route: This path passes through waters coordinated jointly by Oman and the United States.
While the UN agency oversees the phased rollout, local coastal states will manage daily traffic and navigation. Some stranded vessels have already successfully used these new routes. This operation stems from a recent US-Iran memorandum of understanding designed to restore maritime security.
Oil Flows Stabilize as Prices Drop
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed on Wednesday that crude oil shipments through the strait have largely normalized. Over the last 24 hours, about 72 vessels carried roughly 20 million barrels of oil through the waterway. However, some captains are still avoiding standard shipping lanes due to mine threats. Instead, they are navigating alternative routes with military escorts.
Oil markets reacted quickly to the easing supply bottlenecks. US crude futures dropped below $70 per barrel on Wednesday for the first time since the conflict began.
Nuclear Inspection Dispute Intensifies
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that inspectors will deploy to Iran under a preliminary US-Iran peace agreement. Grossi noted that the deal explicitly places the dilution of Iran’s highly enriched uranium under IAEA oversight. Teams will finalize dates and procedures shortly.
However, internal friction remains high:
Iran’s Position: Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that inspectors will only get access to damaged nuclear facilities under a final, comprehensive deal with the US.
Access Denied: Tehran currently refuses to open facilities previously bombed by the US and Israel.
No Meetings: Iranian officials denied holding any recent meetings with Grossi in Switzerland, despite the director general’s explicit request.
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