Arsenio Dominguez is the secretary general of the IMO. Image Credit: IMO

The IMO has welcomed the US-Iran deal, saying it will help restore safety in the Strait of Hormuz and enable its plans to evacuate thousands of stranded seafarers in the area.

The agreement signals "a crucial return to peace, dialogue, multilateralism and diplomacy" and is an important step towards restoring safety for ships and seafarers while safeguarding freedom of navigation, Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the IMO, said in a statement released on Monday.

He said the agreement also allows it to advance plans to evacuate thousands of seafarers stranded in the region.

"The Organization is working in close collaboration with Member States and partners to implement this plan safely and effectively," Dominguez said.

"However, its implementation will require time to ensure that all necessary safety and security guarantees are in place."

Dominguez also paid tribute to seafarers affected by the conflict.

Shipping groups such as International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) have also welcomed the peace agreement. 

“This announcement comes as a relief to the 20,000 seafarers who have been caught in the middle of this war, Thomas Kazakos, secretary general of ICS, said in an email statement on Monday.

“With around 500 ships needing to pass through the Strait to exit the area this will require coordination. 

"The International Maritime Organization has a crucial role, working alongside industry and states in the region, to ensure this is done as safely and as quickly as possible."

A framework agreement aimed at ending hostilities between the US and Iran was announced late Sunday, with the two sides expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on June 19.

The arrangement gives negotiators 60 days to work through outstanding issues, including questions surrounding Iran's nuclear activities.

The deal would allow shipping traffic to resume through the Strait of Hormuz after more than 100 days of disruption.