The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) is set to evacuate over 11,000 sailors stranded in the Gulf because of the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez confirmed the operation will involve cooperation among Iran, Oman, the US, and other regional states.
An interim deal was signed to address hostilities, yet disputes remain regarding nuclear inspections. US President Donald Trump claimed Iran agreed to extensive inspections as part of the agreement.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized his nation would never negotiate its defensive capabilities, citing the threat from Israel and the US.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is touring the Gulf to discuss the Iran deal and reiterated that no nation can impose tolls on the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
Evacuating sailors relies on the Strait's accessibility. Dominguez described the agreement as a crucial step toward maritime security, following months of hardship for seafarers.
Temporary routes through the Strait will facilitate the evacuation, with the IMO monitoring vessel movements closely. Since the easing of tensions, the number of ships transiting remains below pre-conflict averages.