Maritime Administration Issues Warning for American Ships Near Iran
"It is recommended that US-flagged commercial vessels transiting these waters remain as far as possible from Iran's territorial sea without compromising navigational safety," the advisory said, effective through August 8.
The guidance also recommends that eastbound vessels in the Strait of Hormuz "transit close to Oman's territorial sea" to reduce risk.
"Commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman have long been at risk of being hailed, queried, boarded, detained, or seized by Iranian forces," the Maritime Administration noted.
If approached by Iranian forces, ships are advised to provide their name and flag state while affirming they are proceeding under international law. Masters should refuse boarding permission if it is safe to do so but should not forcibly resist if boarding occurs.
The advisory also instructs vessels to keep Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders on, as "some vessel seizures by Iranian forces were claimed to be a result of vessels not transmitting on AIS."
The warning comes amid a significant increase in US military presence in the region in response to heightened tensions with Tehran.
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