U.S.-flagged vessels urged to keep distance from Iranian seas

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

Washington: The United States government has issued new maritime guidance urging U.S.-flagged commercial vessels to remain as far as safely possible from Iranian territorial waters while transiting the Strait of Hormuz and nearby sea routes, officials said, as tensions with Tehran persist over nuclear and regional security issues.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration published the advisory on February 9, warning that ships under the American flag are at elevated risk of being hailed, queried or boarded by Iranian forces operating in and around the strategic waterway a key passage for global oil shipping.

The guidance recommends that eastbound vessels navigate closer to Oman’s territorial sea to maximize the distance from areas claimed by Iran, while stressing that navigational safety should not be compromised. In interactions with Iranian patrols, crews are told to verbally refuse permission for boarding but avoid resisting forcefully if an attempt occurs.

The updated advice follows recent incidents in the region, including reports of Iranian boats approaching U.S.-flagged tankers in the Hormuz Strait actions that have raised concerns among maritime operators and governments about the security of foreign vessels.

Market reactions were swift: oil prices climbed more than 1 percent on the news, reflecting fears that heightened tension and avoidance of Iranian waters could disrupt flows through one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

U.S. officials say the move is precautionary and aimed at protecting crews and ships, not an escalation of conflict.