UN says it will evacuate sailors stranded in Strait of Hormuz, as Rubio warns against tolls
UN to Evacuate Sailors in Strait of Hormuz as Rubio Warns Against Toll Charges
UN says it will evacuate sailors - The United Nations has confirmed it will evacuate over 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway, amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Israel in their campaign against Iran. This initiative, led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under the guidance of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, aims to ensure the safe passage of maritime personnel through the region. The evacuation plan involves collaboration with Iran, Oman, the United States, and neighboring coastal nations, with maritime operators playing a key role in coordinating the logistics. Guterres emphasized that the operation prioritizes the protection of seafarers and aligns with international safety standards.
Evacuation Strategy and International Collaboration
The UN's decision to evacuate sailors follows weeks of escalating hostilities in the Gulf, which forced ships to reroute and created a humanitarian crisis. The IMO has outlined two temporary routes through the strait to facilitate the process, with mariners contacted individually for guidance. Oman’s recent notice highlighted the steps being taken to ensure a smooth transition, while the UN continues to monitor the situation closely. “This is a decisive step toward restoring stability to one of the most vital maritime corridors,” said Guterres, underscoring the importance of global cooperation in resolving the crisis.
The focus keyword, "UN says it will evacuate," is central to the operation, as the organization seeks to mitigate risks for seafarers caught in the crossfire. The evacuation plan also addresses concerns raised by the U.S. about tolls imposed on the strait, which could disrupt global shipping. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been vocal in warning against such measures, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz should remain a free passage for all nations. “No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway,” Rubio stated during a Gulf tour, reinforcing the argument that tolls would undermine the region’s strategic importance.
Regional Reactions and Diplomatic Challenges
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has maintained a firm stance on the agreement, emphasizing the country’s right to defend its interests. During a recent visit to Pakistan, he reiterated that Iran would not cede control of its nuclear facilities, even as the UN seeks to ensure their accessibility for inspections. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that ballistic missiles were not part of the discussions, as the MoU focused on reducing hostilities rather than weaponization. Despite these differences, the agreement has provided a temporary reprieve for maritime traffic, though tensions remain high.
The UN’s evacuation efforts have been supported by the IMO, which has worked with regional stakeholders to establish secure passage. While the operation has successfully begun, challenges persist in ensuring all crew members are accounted for and transported safely. The IMO officials noted that daily updates will be shared to track progress, and the process will continue until the last sailor is relocated. This initiative not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also aims to prevent further disruption to global energy supply chains.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which began on February 28, initially caused widespread panic in the shipping industry. At its peak, oil prices surged past $100 per barrel, highlighting the strait’s economic significance. Over 172 vessels have since passed through the waterway, with 42 navigating it on Saturday alone, according to Kpler data. However, traffic remains lower than pre-crisis levels, which averaged 138 crossings daily. The UN’s evacuation plan is a critical move to stabilize the region and restore confidence in international shipping routes.