India, June 26 -- The United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) has temporarily suspended its evacuation of stranded commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz after a merchant vessel was struck by a projectile off the coast of Oman, raising fresh concerns over maritime security.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the evacuation plan would remain on hold until safety guarantees are secured for vessels waiting to transit the strategic waterway. The attacked ship was not part of the UN-backed evacuation operation.

A US official, speaking anonymously, claimed the merchant vessel Ever Lovely was hit by an Iranian drone operated by the Revolutionary Guard. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the vessel ...