Washington: The United States has issued new safety guidance for commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran continue to simmer, raising concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.
According to U.S. maritime authorities, the updated advisory asks U.S. flagged vessels to keep as much distance as safely possible from Iranian territorial waters while passing through the narrow strait. Ship operators have also been advised to exercise caution, maintain clear communications and review emergency response procedures before entering the area.
The guidance follows a series of recent incidents that have heightened concern among shipping companies and energy markets. In recent weeks, Iranian patrol boats have approached commercial vessels in the region, and there have been reports of drones operating near U.S. naval assets deployed to protect maritime traffic.
U.S. officials have told ship crews to politely refuse any requests for boarding by Iranian forces. However, they have also advised that crews should not physically resist if boarding takes place, prioritizing the safety of seafarers above all else.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global trade corridor, with roughly one fifth of the world’s oil shipments passing through it each day. Any disruption in traffic through the strait could have immediate effects on global energy supplies and prices.
While diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran have continued in parallel, both sides have maintained a firm public stance. Iranian leaders have repeatedly warned against foreign military pressure, while the United States has reinforced its naval presence in the region to deter potential threats.
Maritime security experts say the latest U.S. guidance reflects growing unease about miscalculations at sea and the risk of escalation. For now, commercial shipping continues, but operators are remaining on high alert as geopolitical tensions in the Gulf show no sign of easing.