Coalition Proposes Safe Corridor for 20,000 Stranded Seafarers

LONDON — A coalition of nations proposed a safe maritime corridor on Wednesday to evacuate around 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf amid escalating conflict involving Iran, as hundreds of vessels remain anchored due to threats against ships attempting to exit via the Strait of Hormuz.

The initiative, submitted to the United Nations' International Maritime Organization during its governing council meeting here, was put forward by Bahrain, Japan, Panama, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. The United States voiced its support for the measure, which outlines a framework to enable the safe departure of merchant ships from the region. According to the proposal, the corridor's primary goal is to protect the lives of crew members caught in the crossfire of the ongoing war.

The conflict has halted maritime traffic since Tehran warned of attacks on vessels trying to navigate the strait, a critical chokepoint for global trade. At least seven merchant sailors have died as a result of the violence, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez informed delegates. "They must not become victims of broader geopolitical tensions," Dominguez said, urging all parties to pursue...