UN pauses Strait of Hormuz ship evacuations after vessel hit near Oman

The United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) has temporarily suspended its evacuation of stranded commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz after a merchant vessel was struck by a projectile off the coast of Oman, raising fresh concerns over maritime security.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the evacuation plan would remain on hold until safety guarantees are secured for vessels waiting to transit the strategic waterway. The attacked ship was not part of the UN-backed evacuation operation.

A US official, speaking anonymously, claimed the merchant vessel Ever Lovely was hit by an Iranian drone operated by the Revolutionary Guard. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the vessel sustained damage but reported no injuries or environmental impact.

The incident came shortly after Iran warned ships against using a newly designated shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz without Tehran's approval. Iran's newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority said only routes approved by the Islamic Republic would be guaranteed safe passage.

The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas shipments, making it one of the most critical maritime trade routes. While vessel traffic has gradually increased following recent tensions, it remains below pre-conflict levels.

Meanwhile, the US and Iran continue negotiations on an interim peace agreement, with freedom of navigation through the strait remaining a key issue. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington's commitment to ensuring safe and unrestricted maritime transit for commercial vessels.