UNIPA News Desk||26 June-The United Nations’ maritime agency has temporarily suspended its coordinated evacuation of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after a merchant ship was struck by a projectile off the coast of Oman on Thursday, raising renewed concerns over the security of one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced that the evacuation plan would remain on hold until safety guarantees can be confirmed for vessels awaiting transit through the strait. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the vessel involved in the incident was not part of the UN-backed evacuation operation.
According to a U.S. official familiar with the matter, the merchant vessel Ever Lovely was struck by an Iranian drone allegedly operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that the vessel sustained damage in the attack but reported no injuries or environmental pollution.
The incident occurred hours after Iran warned commercial vessels against using a newly established shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz without Tehran’s authorization. Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority stated that ships transiting outside routes designated by Iranian authorities would not receive guarantees of safe passage.
The alternative route, developed by Oman in coordination with the IMO, was intended to facilitate the safe evacuation of vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf amid heightened regional tensions. The corridor follows the coastlines of the United Arab Emirates and Oman, avoiding waters where Iran has claimed to have deployed naval mines following recent hostilities.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard also rejected the new maritime corridor, describing it as unauthorized, dangerous, and established without coordination with Tehran. In a statement carried by state media, the force warned that vessels using routes outside those approved by Iran could face consequences.
Despite the latest security concerns, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has gradually increased in recent days. Maritime data indicate that vessel traffic remains below pre-conflict levels but has shown signs of recovery as shipping companies cautiously resume operations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any disruption to navigation through the waterway has the potential to affect international energy markets and global trade.
