The head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, highlighted the presence of approximately 80 mines in the Strait of Hormuz, an essential international waterway. During an online news conference, he emphasized the urgent need to clear these mines to ensure safe navigation for shipping vessels. This estimation is based on intelligence from various countries, including the United States.
Dominguez noted that Iran has agreed to participate in the demining efforts, while nations like Britain, France, and the US are prepared to provide resources to support verification and further demining operations. However, he stressed that before any demining can commence, the evacuation of around 500 stranded vessels and their crews must take priority. This evacuation process is expected to take several weeks.
The evacuation has been temporarily halted following an attack on a vessel last Thursday. The IMO is currently collaborating with multiple stakeholders, including the US and Iran, to address the situation. Dominguez acknowledged the fluidity of the circumstances in the Strait, indicating that a specific timeline for demining operations cannot be established at this moment.
