Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on the 18th (local time) [Reuters=Yonhap News 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 navigate 11,000 crew members and their vessels, which had been stranded in the Gulf region (Persian Gulf), through the Strait of Hormuz.

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

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

An IMO spokesperson told Reuters, "We have begun notifying the vessels to commence movement." The spokesperson did not disclose a detailed schedule.

The IMO shared a notice sent by Oman to the vessels, which states that two temporary maritime corridors through the Strait of Hormuz will be utilized for the withdrawal plan, with individual instructions to be delivered to each vessel separately.

According to maritime intelligence platform Kpler, at least 36 commercial vessels transited through the Strait of Hormuz on the 22nd, the highest number since the outbreak of the war on February 28, as reported by AFP.

Secretary-General Dominguez assessed the situation, stating, "I welcome the peace agreement between the United States and Iran following the hardships endured by innocent seafarers and the negative impact on the world," adding, "This is a decisive step toward restoring maritime security and ending unacceptable attacks on civilian shipping."

Secretary-General Dominguez also expressed his condolences, stating, "I honor the 14 innocent seafarers who tragically lost their lives during this war."