US calls on vessels to keep clear of Strait of Hormuz, surrounding waters amid military escalation

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The US Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration on Saturday called on US-flagged commercial vessels to keep clear of the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters amid the start of significant military escalation in the region.

In a maritime alert issued, the department said military operations began on Feb. 28 in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, warning of potential retaliatory strikes by Iranian forces.

"It is recommended that vessels keep clear of this area if possible," the advisory said.

It noted that "any U.S.-flagged, owned, or crewed commercial vessels that are operating in these areas should maintain a standoff of 30 nautical miles from U.S. military vessels to reduce the risk of being mistaken as a threat."

The advisory, which is set to expire on March 7, also strongly encouraged ships to maintain close contact with Naval Forces Central Command's Naval Coordination and Guidance for Shipping and to review the latest advisories from the UK Maritime Trade Operations and the Joint Maritime Information Center.

It further advised mariners to implement risk mitigation measures outlined in US Maritime Advisory 2026-001 concerning potential Iranian boarding, detention or seizure incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.

The advice comes after Israel and the US launched an attack against Iran early Saturday, citing alleged threats posed by the "Iranian regime."

The attacks came as talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear program had been ongoing under Oman’s mediation. A new round of talks in Geneva ended on Thursday.

Israel also initiated a 12-day war on Iran last June, with the US joining later and bombing three Iranian nuclear sites.