Ships in the Strait of Hormuz on the 18th (local time) [Reuters=Yonhap News Agency file photo]

Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war between the United States and Iran, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched a large-scale operation to safely move 11,000 ships and seafarers, who were stranded in the Gulf region (Persian Gulf), through the Strait of Hormuz.

Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, stated in a press release on the 23rd (local time) that "this large-scale operation will be carried out in close cooperation with all coastal states in the region, including Iran and Oman, the United States, and the maritime industry."

Dominguez further emphasized, "We have secured the necessary safety assurances and thoroughly verified the safe navigation conditions to support this operation. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of seafarers and the continuity of global trade."

An IMO spokesperson told Reuters that they have "begun notifying ships to commence their movement." The spokesperson did not disclose the detailed schedule.

The IMO shared a notice sent by Oman to the ships, which states that two temporary routes through the Strait of Hormuz will be used for the evacuation plan, and each ship will receive additional instructions via individual contact.

According to the maritime information platform Kepler, at least 36 merchant ships transited the Strait of Hormuz on the 22nd, the highest number since the outbreak of the war on February 28th, AFP reported.

Dominguez welcomed the peace agreement between the United States and Iran, stating, "We welcome the peace agreement between the United States and Iran after the adversity faced by innocent seafarers and the adverse impact on the world. This is a decisive step to restore maritime security and end the unacceptable attacks on civilian shipping."

Dominguez also expressed condolences, saying, "We mourn the 14 innocent seafarers who tragically lost their lives during this war."