The International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced on Thursday, June 25, 2026, that it has temporarily suspended its ship and crew evacuation operation for vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz following an attack on a cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman.
Security Review Underway
“I have decided to temporarily suspend implementation of the plan to reaffirm that the necessary safety assurances remain in place for all vessels on the evacuation list—and for all ships operating in the region,” said IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Rodrigues in reference to the Strait of Hormuz.
Attack on Ever Lovely
Earlier, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) — a naval security service under the UK Ministry of Defence — reported that a cargo vessel was struck on its starboard side by a projectile of unknown origin while sailing 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Dhahiy, Oman. The impact damaged the ship’s bridge but caused no casualties or environmental damage, according to UKMTO.
The vessel was identified as the container ship Ever Lovely, flagged in Singapore. Private maritime security firm Vanguard Tech confirmed the identity, and three additional sources corroborated the information to Reuters.
Unconfirmed Allegations Against Iran
Two U.S. officials told Reuters that Iran carried out the strike. Tehran has not confirmed or denied the allegations. Meanwhile, Iran’s Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz management authority — the Persian Gulf Strategic Area (PGSA) — stated that maritime safety cannot be guaranteed for vessels navigating outside designated shipping lanes.