The United Nations has begun evacuating civilian sailors from commercial vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, as a British-led naval coalition assumes responsibility for securing the critical waterway. The operation, confirmed by the UN International Maritime Organisation this morning, follows days of heightened tensions after Iran threatened to close the strait in response to new US sanctions.
A spokesperson for the UN said the evacuation was a “precautionary measure” to ensure the safety of seafarers, many of whom are from developing nations, as the situation remains volatile. The UN has not disclosed the exact number of sailors evacuated, but sources suggest several hundred have been transported to safe ports in Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, the Royal Navy, in coordination with allied forces from Australia, Bahrain, and the United States, has established a “protective corridor” through the strait. HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer, is leading the patrols, supported by minehunters and surveillance aircraft. The British government said the mission is designed to “de-escalate tensions and ensure the free flow of international trade,” which accounts for roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments.
The operation underscores the UK’s continued commitment to maritime security in the region, despite its departure from the European Union. Defence analysts note that the patrols represent a significant projection of soft power, reinforcing Britain’s role as a reliable security partner in the Gulf. However, the mission has drawn criticism from some quarters, with Iranian officials denouncing it as a “provocative act” that risks further escalation.
The situation remains fluid. The UN has called for restraint from all parties and urged a diplomatic resolution to the underlying dispute over sanctions. For now, the evacuation and patrols are proceeding without incident, but the long-term stability of the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain.
