115 ships, 2,500 sailors exit Strait of Hormuz amid tensions

Around 115 ships, carrying approximately 2,500 sailors, have successfully navigated out of the Strait of Hormuz this week, according to the head of the United Nations' maritime organization. This operation aims to ensure the safety of vessels transiting the crucial waterway.

Arsenio Dominguez, executive director of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), stated that the organization has temporarily suspended its efforts to evacuate about 600 ships and 11,000 sailors. This pause follows an attack on a ship in the Gulf of Oman and was made in consultation with regional states, particularly those near the conflict zone.

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All in all, 115 ships have been moved out this week, corresponding to about 2,500 sailors who have now left the Strait of Hormuz safely.

Despite the official evacuations being paused, monitoring systems indicate some ships are still using a route not approved by Iran. The formal evacuation process involves two routes, one near the coast of Oman and another near Iran's coast, neither of which is the traditional shipping lane used since 1968. The traditional route is being avoided due to the reported presence of naval mines.

An agreement between Iran and the United States, signed last week, reportedly includes a commitment from Iran to clear mines from the area within 30 days. This development suggests a potential de-escalation and an effort to restore safer passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil transport.

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A pause will now be made in the evacuation of those stranded due to the war between the United States and Iran.