US and Iran Weigh Peace Deal Amid Stranded Seafarer Crisis

Approximately 20,000 seafarers are currently stranded in the Gulf due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. An Indian seafarer, who wishes to remain anonymous, has been stuck on a cargo ship since February 28, when US President Donald Trump launched “Operation Epic Fury.” The seafarer has witnessed the Iran war firsthand and expressed concerns about the situation.

The seafarer stated that some fellow crew members have returned home by crossing Iran’s land border with Armenia, while others remain stranded due to unpaid salaries. Iranian agents are reportedly withholding payment from Indian seafarers, citing financial restrictions. The seafarer has been surviving on a limited diet of potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and flatbread.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in an estimated 20,000 seafarers being stranded since Iran’s response to US and Israeli attacks. Prior to the conflict, the strait was a critical shipping route, carrying significant amounts of global oil and gas supplies, as well as one-third of the seaborne fertilizer trade.

US Central Command reported intercepting and eliminating inbound Iranian threats after three US Navy guided-missile destroyers came under attack from missiles, drones, and small boats. Iran’s military responded by targeting US Navy vessels in its territorial waters. The United Nations International Maritime Organization estimates that at least 10 seafarers have been killed since the start of the war.

The US has blockaded Iranian ports since April 13 to disrupt oil exports and access to foreign currency. Lloyd’s List reported that at least four commercial ships were fired upon since Monday, while a container ship operated by CMA CGM came under attack on Wednesday. Trump stated that US officials held “very good talks” with Tehran, but the status of any potential agreement remains unclear.

Labour groups have expressed concerns about the uncertainty faced by civilian crews manning oil, gas, and container ships in the Gulf. Iranian forces detained two foreign-flagged cargo ships and their crew last month, while the US Navy captured three Iran-linked commercial vessels in the Gulf and Indian Ocean. The prospect of detention has created an “enhanced state of fear” among seafarers.

Source: Al Jazeera