UN evacuates 11,000 sailors in the Gulf

TT

Published 21.54

 

Ships in the Gulf of Oman, which is linked to the disputed Strait of Hormuz. The picture was taken on June 16.

Ships in the Gulf of Oman, which is linked to the disputed Strait of Hormuz. The picture was taken on June 16. Photo: /AP/TT

The UN maritime body IMO is to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors who are stuck on their ships in the Gulf as a result of the US and Israel's war against Iran.

“This large-scale operation will be carried out in close cooperation with Iran, Oman, all other coastal states in the region, the United States and the shipping industry,” said Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, in a statement on Tuesday, adding:

“We have obtained the necessary security assurances and conducted a thorough verification process regarding the prospects for safe navigation to support these operations.”

The IMO will publish daily reports on the number of ships that have been able to leave the region.

The decision comes after the United States and Iran recently signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war.