Ships flying flags of various countries should proceed with caution. The United States warns of safety risks in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz, as the world’s most critical maritime chokepoint, is increasingly becoming a focal point of international maritime security. Recently, the U.S. government issued a new maritime safety alert, warning commercial vessels flying various national flags to exercise increased caution when passing through this waterway. According to Jin10 Data, this alert stems from a series of security incidents that occurred in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month.

Escalation of Iranian Naval Activities

In the latest maritime notice, the U.S. Department of Transportation disclosed that Iranian military forces have recently intensified their activities in the Strait of Hormuz. Records indicate that Iranian forces have repeatedly used small speedboats and helicopters to intercept and drive away passing commercial ships. The most recent incident occurred on February 3rd, when Iran attempted to forcibly direct a commercial vessel into its territorial waters. These actions pose a direct threat to the order of international shipping.

U.S. Navigation Recommendations

To safeguard the safety of ships flying various national flags, the U.S. Maritime Administration has provided specific passage advice. The agency recommends that vessels traveling east through the Strait of Hormuz should, as much as possible, stay close to the Omani side of the waterway to avoid potential risks in Iranian waters. The U.S. emphasizes that, while ensuring their own navigational safety, commercial ships should adopt the maximum possible distance from Iranian territorial waters.

Balancing International Maritime Interests

This alert reflects the delicate balance within global maritime security. Although ships flying different national flags need to choose their routes carefully, the Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital artery for global oil transportation, and its smooth operation is crucial to the world economy. The U.S. advice does not require ships to completely reroute but encourages adopting more cautious passage strategies within existing routes, ensuring the rights of international shipping while reducing security risks.