The United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced plans to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz during the US-Iran conflict.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez disclosed the information on Tuesday (June 23), according to a report by the US news outlet Axios.

Dominguez stated that 14 sailors lost their lives during the conflict. He outlined plans for a large-scale rescue and relocation operation conducted in cooperation with the United States, Iran, Oman, and other relevant parties.

He noted that the operation highlights how severely the US-Iran conflict has disrupted operations in the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world's most critical waterways—leaving thousands of civilian mariners stranded there for an extended period.

When US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked whether the United States could guarantee freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, particularly in light of Iran imposing tolls on tankers, he responded firmly:

According to IMO estimates, approximately 600 ships are currently stranded in the region.

In a statement, Dominguez said that the UN has received security guarantees and has thoroughly verified the conditions required for safe navigation.

"Following months of suffering for thousands of innocent sailors and a severe global impact, I welcome with deep satisfaction the peace agreement reached between the United States and Iran," Dominguez said.

"This is a critical step toward restoring maritime security and ending unacceptable attacks on civilian vessels."

Meanwhile, maritime expert Captain Kies Buckens reported that ships have already begun returning to the Strait of Hormuz to collect and transport oil.

He noted that official directives from the Omani government indicate a well-organized plan has been established to guide ships safely through the strait.

According to Buckens, the issue of potential tolls will not pose a major obstacle to the rescue and relocation operations. However, he noted that remaining sea mines in the strait still pose a concern.

Nonetheless, the security assurances provided by Oman are expected to instill confidence among mariners that safe passage is possible if designated routes are followed.