[International Maritime Organization: Approximately 20,000 Seafarers Stranded in the Persian Gulf] BlockBeats News, April 18 – On April 17, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Dominguez stated that approximately 20,000 seafarers and nearly 2,000 vessels are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf. He called on countries to intensify diplomatic efforts to support the IMO's initiative to implement an evacuation plan for stranded seafarers in the Gulf region. Dominguez urged nations to assist, at an appropriate time, in clearing mines and other hazardous objects threatening the navigation of merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. He also emphasized providing tangible support to the shipping industry, including access to insurance at reasonable costs, to facilitate the swift resumption of normal operations. According to Iranian media reports on April 18, an Iranian military spokesperson stated that due to the United States' "repeated breaches of commitments," control over the Strait of Hormuz has reverted to its previous state. The strait is now under the strict management and control of Iran's armed forces.