Washington, D.C., USA — Web Desk: The United States has issued a new advisory urging American-flagged ships to maintain a safe distance from Iranian territorial waters while transiting the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. The guidance, released on Monday by the US Maritime Administration, comes amid heightened tensions and following a recent round of indirect talks between the US and Iran in Oman.
According to US officials, ship captains are advised not to allow Iranian forces to board American vessels. In the event Iranian personnel do come aboard, crews are instructed not to resist, as non-resistance does not imply consent. The advisory also recommends that US-flagged commercial vessels maximize their distance from Iranian territorial waters during transit through the strait, while ensuring safe navigation. Additionally, ships traveling eastward are encouraged to pass near Oman’s territorial waters for added security.
The development follows weeks of increasingly hostile statements between Washington and Tehran, which have escalated fears of potential conflict. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil chokepoints, sees a significant portion of global energy shipments pass through it. Past conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq War, attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Oman, and recent regional tensions, have historically disrupted maritime traffic and heightened international concerns.
The advisory comes after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard recently conducted naval exercises in the Hormuz Strait, prompting the US to warn Iran against unsafe conduct in the region. The United States has reiterated that it is closely monitoring developments to ensure maritime safety and regional stability.
Experts say this move signals Washington’s determination to protect commercial shipping while avoiding direct escalation, as the two nations navigate a complex geopolitical environment. The advisory also underscores the importance of strategic maritime routes in global energy security and the ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Gulf region.
