The International Maritime Organization is developing an evacuation plan for hundreds of vessels trapped in the Persian Gulf, Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez confirmed. Ships have been stranded for more than seven weeks following the onset of US and Israeli military strikes against Iran, creating an unprecedented crisis in one of the world's most critical waterways.

The prolonged disruption poses serious risks to global energy supply chains. The Hormuz Strait handles roughly one-fifth of worldwide petroleum consumption, making any extended blockage a major concern for oil markets and energy consumers across Asia, Europe and North America. Shipping insurers and vessel owners have been awaiting clarity on how to safely extract their assets from the region.

Dominguez did not specify when the evacuation might begin or what routes ships would use. The IMO must navigate ongoing geopolitical tensions while ensuring crew safety in what has become an increasingly volatile operational environment. The plan represents one of the largest coordinated maritime rescue efforts in recent history.