The United Nations on Friday said 115 vessels carrying around 2,500 seafarers have been evacuated from the Strait of Hormuz since Tuesday as security concerns continue to disrupt one of the world's busiest shipping lanes despite diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran.
The update came amid cautious signs of normalisation in maritime traffic following days of heightened tensions in the Gulf. UN maritime officials said the evacuations were carried out as a precaution after the recent conflict raised concerns over the safety of commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.
Iran maintained a firm stance on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warning that vessels would be allowed to transit only through routes approved by Tehran. Iranian state television reported that three foreign tankers attempting an "unauthorised" passage through the strait turned back after receiving a warning from the IRGC Navy.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates reiterated the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation. During a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed stressed adherence to the US-Iran agreement and the need to keep maritime corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz, open and secure.
Also read: UN agency stops evacuation of ships through Hormuz
The UAE also moved to reassure residents after an incoming missile alert was mistakenly issued on Friday evening. Authorities later attributed the warning to a technical malfunction in the country's early warning system, asking the public to disregard the message and confirming that corrective measures had been initiated.
In another development, Iranian state media reported that 22 Iranian sailors whose oil tanker had been seized by the United States during the recent conflict had reached Pakistan and were handed over to Iranian diplomats in Karachi. They are expected to return to Iran shortly.
Iran's Press TV also reported that a direct communication line had been established between Washington and Tehran to manage issues related to the Strait of Hormuz.
Separately, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Iran against attacking Israel, saying such a move would be Tehran's "biggest mistake", even as the Israeli military claimed to have killed seven alleged Hezbollah members in southern Lebanon.
Oil prices remained under pressure, with markets expecting hefty weekly losses as shipping gradually resumed through the Strait of Hormuz, easing fears of prolonged disruptions to global energy supplies.
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