The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has welcomed the agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the US.
It described it as a key step towards restoring maritime security in the region and ending attacks on commercial shipping.
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries, the IMO highlighted the impact of months of disruption on seafarers and global trade flows.
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), said: “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.”
The IMO also paid tribute to seafarers who lost their lives during the conflict.
Dominguez added: “I want to pay tribute to the fourteen innocent seafarers who tragically lost their lives during this conflict. Their dedication in service of global trade will not be forgotten.”
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The organisation confirmed that it will now begin implementing an evacuation plan for more than 11,000 seafarers still stranded in the affected region. The operation will be carried out in coordination with Iran, Oman, other coastal states in the region, the United States and industry stakeholders.
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, stated: “We will begin the implementation of the evacuation plan for over 11,000 seafarers still stranded in the region. This large-scale operation will be carried out in close cooperation with Iran, Oman, all other coastal States in the region, the US and the maritime industry.
“We have secured the necessary safety guarantees and have thoroughly verified the conditions for safe navigation to support these operations. We remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of seafarers and the continuity of global trade.”
The IMO added that safety assurances have been verified to enable safe navigation in the region, with the focus now shifting to coordinated evacuation and stabilisation of maritime traffic.
For more information:
International Maritime Organization – https://www.imo.org/en
