US, UK Warn Ships of Military Operations in Strait of Hormuz

Commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz face heightened security risks following a joint advisory from US and UK maritime authorities. Ongoing military operations north of Oman's Musandam Peninsula have prompted warnings for mariners to exercise extreme caution.

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military operations are underway in the northern Strait of Hormuz and urged mariners to exercise extreme caution due to rapidly evolving conditions.

The advisory, issued by the UK Maritime Trade Operations and US Naval Forces Central Command, highlighted rapidly evolving conditions in the strategic waterway. Vessels are urged to maintain a continuous listening watch and report any suspicious activity. The US military specifically accused Iran of attempting to exert "illegal control" over the strait and engaging in activities that threaten maritime safety, including impeding mine-clearance operations.

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military operations would continue north of the Musandam Peninsula “until further notice.”

US Naval Forces Central Command advised mariners to avoid the main traffic separation scheme where possible and coordinate transits with their guidance office. They stressed that US forces remain on high alert and warned that any vessel observed engaging in or supporting mine-laying activities would be targeted in self-defense. Vessels failing to comply with directions could be deemed a threat and subjected to defensive measures.

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Iran of attempting to exert “illegal control” over the Strait of Hormuz and alleged that Tehran continues to engage in activities that threaten maritime safety, including efforts to impede mine-clearance operations and safe passage through the waterway.

The warnings underscore growing security concerns in the region, a critical chokepoint linking the Persian Gulf to global markets. The advisory did not detail specific incidents but emphasized the potential risks to commercial shipping.

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any vessel observed engaging in or supporting mine-laying activities would be targeted in self-defense.