(WASHINGTON) — On Feb. 28, significant military activity commenced in the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea. It is recommended that vessels keep clear of this area if possible to avoid military operations and potential retaliatory strikes by Iranian forces.
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. They are strongly encouraged to maintain close contact with Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) Naval Coordination and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) and review the latest UKMTO and Joint Maritime Information Center Advisories at https://www.ukmto.org/ukmto-products/advisories/2026 and https://www.ukmto.org/partner-products/jmic-products.
The risk mitigation measures addressed in U.S. Maritime Advisory 2026-001 (Iranian Illegal Boarding/Detention/ Seizure – Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman) should also be reviewed and implemented well in advance of entering this region. Further updates will be provided when available.
This alert will automatically expire on March 7.
Any questions regarding this alert should be directed to m-ba-navcent-ncags@us.navy.mil.
– U.S. Maritime Administration
