US Urges Commercial Ships to Avoid Strait of Hormuz amid Escalating Military Tensions
The United States has issued a maritime security alert urging US-flagged commercial vessels to steer clear of the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters following the start of significant military escalation in the region.
According to the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, military operations began on February 28 across the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea. The advisory warns of the potential for retaliatory strikes by Iranian forces amid heightened tensions.
30-Nautical-Mile Standoff Recommended
In the maritime alert, authorities recommended that vessels avoid the affected areas if possible. The advisory further stated that any US-flagged, owned, or crewed commercial vessels operating in these waters should maintain a distance of at least 30 nautical miles from US military ships to reduce the risk of being misidentified as a threat.
The notice, effective until March 7, also strongly encourages vessels to remain in close coordination with Naval Forces Central Command’s Naval Coordination and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS). Mariners are advised to regularly review updates issued by the UK Maritime Trade Operations and the Joint Maritime Information Center.
Risk Mitigation Measures Against Iranian Actions
The advisory directs ship operators to implement protective measures outlined in US Maritime Advisory 2026-001, particularly in response to potential Iranian boarding, detention, or seizure incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.
The warning follows military strikes launched early Saturday by the United States and Israel against Iran, citing alleged threats posed by the Iranian regime.
The strikes occurred amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program, mediated by Oman. A recent round of negotiations in Geneva concluded on Thursday.
Regional tensions remain elevated following a 12-day conflict initiated by Israel against Iran last June, during which the United States later joined operations targeting three Iranian nuclear sites.
