The western-backed naval forces in the Middle East have warned shipping companies navigating their vessels through Hormuz of sailing in Iranian waters to avoid being seized, amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington. Timothy Hawkins, spokesperson for the U.S. Fifth Fleet in the Middle East, acknowledged this warning but declined to discuss the details. Hawkins stated that a U.S.-backed maritime organization called "International Maritime Security Construct" is advising regional sailors on appropriate precautions to reduce risks of seizure due to current regional tensions, which we seek to de-escalate. "Vessels are advised to transit as far away from Iranian territorial waters as possible."
Additionally, a Europe-led maritime organization monitoring shipping in the strait warned of a potential attack on an unspecified commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz within the next 12 to 72 hours, as reported by the private intelligence company "Ambrey." For its part, Iran has not indicated through its official media any new plans to intercept vessels in the strait.
