The United States (US) on Monday issued fresh guidance for commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint for global oil supplies, amid simmering tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme.
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The advisory, issued by the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, urges US-flagged commercial vessels to remain as far from Iran’s territorial waters as possible while passing through the narrow waterway, provided navigational safety is not compromised. Part of the Strait of Hormuz falls within Iranian territorial waters and has previously been the site of maritime incidents involving commercial shipping.
1/4 The U.S. Maritime Administration has issued advisory to U.S.-flagged commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz &Gulf of Oman. The guidance includes scenarios of hailing or boarding by Iranian forces. This follows last week’s harassment of Stena Imperative. #Shipping… pic.twitter.com/ioh4I3gmRK
— Noam Raydan (@NoamRaydan) February 9, 2026
Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the strait during periods of heightened confrontation and has, at times, seized oil tankers and other commercial ships, alleging smuggling or violations of maritime regulations. The latest US guidance reflects ongoing concerns over the safety of commercial traffic in the region.
According to the advisory, US-flagged vessels should verbally decline permission if Iranian forces request to board. However, the guidance also cautions crews against using force if boarding occurs. “If Iranian forces board a US-flagged commercial vessel, the crew should not forcibly resist the boarding party,” it stated.
The warning comes as diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran show tentative signs of progress. Iran’s top diplomat said last week that nuclear talks mediated by Oman had begun positively and were expected to continue, raising hopes of easing regional tensions. Both sides have signalled interest in reviving diplomacy over Iran’s long-running nuclear dispute with Western powers.
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Despite this, Washington has stressed that any agreement should also address Iran’s ballistic missile programme, its support for armed groups across the Middle East, and human rights concerns.
President Donald Trump further increased pressure on Tehran on Friday by signing an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on imports from any country that “directly or indirectly” purchases goods from Iran, following through on a threat made last month.
Meanwhile, unrelated developments in the region saw rescue workers in Lebanon’s Tripoli recover another victim on Monday, a day after residential buildings collapsed.