Following the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez issued a formal statement welcoming the peace agreement and outlining immediate humanitarian steps for the maritime sector.
The agreement marks a decisive turning point after months of disruption to global trade and severe peril for merchant mariners. In response to the diplomatic breakthrough, the IMO is pivoting immediately to a massive humanitarian recovery operation in the region.
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Restoring Maritime Security: The Secretary-General welcomed the peace agreement with “deep satisfaction,” noting it serves as a critical step toward ending unacceptable attacks on civilian shipping.
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Tribute to the Fallen: Mr. Dominguez paid solemn tribute to the 14 innocent seafarers who tragically lost their lives during the conflict, stating their dedication to global trade will not be forgotten.
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Mass Evacuation Mobilization: The IMO announced the immediate commencement of a large-scale evacuation plan for more than 11,000 seafarers currently stranded in the region.
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Regional Cooperation: The repatriation and evacuation operations will be executed in close coordination with Iran, Oman, other regional coastal States, the United States, and the international maritime industry.
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Safety Guarantees: The IMO has thoroughly verified the conditions for safe navigation and secured the necessary safety guarantees to ensure the secure transit of all vessels and crews involved. “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… We remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of seafarers and the continuity of global trade,” Arsenio Dominguez, IMO Secretary-General
The IMO, alongside its international and industry partners, will begin deploying resources immediately to execute the evacuation plan.
Further updates on the progress of the safe navigation corridors and seafarer repatriations will be provided as the operation unfolds.
