UN Cancels Ship Evacuation Plans After Gulf Incident

The United Nations announced on Thursday that it has halted plans to evacuate a ship stranded in the Persian Gulf following a projectile strike on a cargo vessel leaving the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. officials indicated that the ship was targeted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which is believed to be aiming to strengthen its influence over international shipping in this crucial maritime route.

The Taiwanese shipping firm Evergreen reported that their cargo ship, named Ever Lovely, was hit while it was approximately 3.6 nautical miles off Kaur Naiwa Island, near Oman. This incident occurred shortly after the ship, which had been stuck in the Persian Gulf for over 100 days, loaded cargo from Iraq’s Umm Qasr port and began its journey to Singapore.

Merchant vessels were following routes recommended by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMOT), and the UKMTO also reported the attack. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore condemned the action, labeling it as “unprovoked, unwarranted, and in violation of international law.”

Evergreen confirmed that while the ship sustained damage to its bridge window area, it remained seaworthy with operational engines and no crew injuries.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) also paused its evacuation plans after the incident was reported. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez noted that although a vessel was attacked in the Gulf of Oman, it didn’t fall under the IMO’s evacuation framework. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to seafarer safety, stating he would keep evacuation plans on hold until further clarity is achieved.

According to two senior U.S. officials, the IRGC’s attack involved a one-way drone, and its movements before the explosion indicated a premeditated intent to instill fear rather than cause extensive damage or casualties.

This incident occurred shortly after the IRGC declared its authority over the Strait of Hormuz and instructed tankers to navigate back, asserting that it would not permit ship movements along the IMO route without its consent.

In a follow-up statement, Iran challenged what it described as “interventionist, irresponsible, and provocative” remarks from the U.S. and its Gulf allies, insisting that it will not allow tolls or fees on international shipping.

The joint statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) underscored the necessity of reopening the Strait of Hormuz for regional and global security, insisting on free and unrestricted navigation.

This statement clearly rejected any attempts to impose tolls or control over the strait and acknowledged Oman’s backing for the IMO’s evacuation plan.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded by stating that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz cannot be assured with vague arrangements or routes, stressing that Iran’s role as a coastal state must be considered.

Subsequently, Iranian state media reported that three ships had reversed course due to the “illegal navigation” in the Strait following the IRGC’s attack.