The U.S. Maritime Administration issued new guidance Monday for commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil supplies, amid escalating tensions with Iran over its nuclear program. The guidance, published on the agency’s website, advises ships flying the American flag to maintain as much distance as possible from Iranian territorial waters and to verbally deny boarding requests from Iranian forces.
According to the guidance, crews should not resist by force if Iranian authorities do board their vessels. “It is recommended that U.S.-flagged commercial vessels transiting these waters remain as far away from Iranian territorial seas as possible, without compromising the safety of navigation,” the administration stated. This directive reflects growing U.S. Concerns about potential Iranian interference with maritime traffic in the region.
Iran has previously threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital chokepoint, and has, on occasion, seized commercial ships and oil tankers passing through the area, alleging smuggling activities. The latest U.S. Recommendations come as diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal remain stalled. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated Friday that nuclear talks with the U.S., mediated by Oman, had “started well” and would continue, a development that could potentially ease regional anxieties. However, the U.S. Has insisted that any renewed negotiations must address Iran’s ballistic missile program, its support for regional proxies, and its human rights record.
The U.S. Central Command (Centcom) warned Iran on January 31st against “risky” actions in the Strait of Hormuz, following Tehran’s announcement of a two-day naval exercise with live-fire drills. Centcom specifically cautioned against unsafe maneuvers, such as close-range flybys of U.S. Warships and approaching American vessels on a potential collision course. “Any unsafe and unprofessional behavior near U.S. Forces, regional partners, or commercial vessels increases the risk of miscalculation, escalation, and instability,” Centcom stated in a press release. The U.S. Military maintains it will continue to operate with the “highest level of professionalism,” adhering to international norms.
The Strait of Hormuz, just 55 kilometers wide at its narrowest point, is a crucial maritime route connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is estimated to carry approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an elite military force directly accountable to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is responsible for security in the region.
Adding to the tensions, former President Trump intensified pressure on Iran with an executive order on February 10th imposing a 25% tariff on imports from any country that acquires goods “directly or indirectly” from Iran. This action fulfilled a threat made last month and aims to further restrict Iran’s economic activity.
