UN says it will evacuate sailors stranded in Strait of Hormuz, as Rubio warns against tolls

The United Nations announced on March 14, 2024, that it will evacuate sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. This decision comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issuing a stern warning to Iran against imposing tolls on maritime traffic. Rubio stated that no nation has the authority to charge fees for passage through this vital international waterway. The UN's intervention aims to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of seafarers caught in the geopolitical crossfire. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and any disruption there could have significant economic repercussions worldwide. The specific number of stranded sailors and the exact circumstances leading to their predicament were not immediately detailed in the announcement.