UN agency pauses ship evacuations through Strait of Hormuz after vessel struck

The United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) has paused its plans to evacuate ships through the Strait of Hormuz after a vessel was struck by a projectile. The incident occurred despite a memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran last week, which aimed to end hostilities and reopen the strategic waterway.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, a cargo vessel was struck by an "unknown projectile" about 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Dahit, Oman. No casualties were reported, but the incident has heightened concerns that tensions over navigation through the strait remain unresolved.

The IMO's Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, announced that the evacuation plan would be paused until "necessary safety guarantees" are in place for those involved. The operation had been conducted in close cooperation with Iran, Oman, and other coastal states in the region, as well as the US and the maritime industry.

The US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding last week, which included provisions aimed at reopening the strait. However, key disagreements remain over which shipping routes vessels should use and whether Iran gets to charge a toll or fee.

Oman and the IMO have proposed a new shipping corridor that would partially bypass waters under Iran's direct control. Tehran has rejected the plan, saying it was announced without consultation and raises safety concerns while demining operations are still underway.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has criticized the new shipping corridor and warned that passage through the strait is only possible via routes announced by Iran.

The US has accused Iran of launching at least four one-way attack drones at ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with one drone striking the upper deck of a large cargo vessel. The US President has called the incident a "foolish violation" of the ceasefire agreement.

The US and Iran have established a communications line to prevent further military incidents in the Strait of Hormuz. The line was established after the first round of direct talks between the two countries, held in Switzerland.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for a "very strong system of verification" to closely monitor Iran's nuclear program. The agency's Director-General, Rafael Grossi, emphasized that verification is central to the preliminary ceasefire understanding between Iran and the US.

What's Next?

The US and Iran have 60 days to iron out the details of the memorandum of understanding. The two countries will need to address the outstanding issues, including the shipping routes and tolls, to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.