The UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) paused its program to evacuate ships and approximately 11,000 stranded mariners through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. The decision followed reports from the British military that a vessel was hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman, an event that occurred after several tankers utilized a route backed by the UN.
The IMO, the global shipping regulator, stated that the plan to move stranded ships out of the Persian Gulf will remain on hold until the agency can confirm safety guarantees for the ships on the evacuation list and in the region.
The strike comes hours after Iran warned vessels to stop using routes without its permission, insisting they use only Tehran-approved routes. This underscores Tehran's resolve to retain control over the Strait of Hormuz and resist transits that bypass its authorization.
The incident has reignited fears over a preliminary deal to end the Iran war. The future of the strait remains a key sticking point in negotiations between Tehran and Washington.