The United States has requested oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz to sail only at designated times to ensure 'military protection,' according to a report by the British newspaper, 'Financial Times.'
This move follows Iran's increased attacks on vessels sailing at night. Since May, the U.S. has been providing protection to ships opting to navigate a route passing along the Omani coast on the southern side of the strait in an effort to counter Iranian attacks and ensure the continued flow of oil shipments.
Previously, ship owners needed to submit applications to the U.S. Maritime Coordination Center, which supplied sailors with route coordinates and permission to sail during broad nighttime slots under U.S. aircraft protection.
However, starting in September, these periods have been narrowed to just two specific time windows daily, according to emails from the center sent to maritime advisors, and reviewed by 'Financial Times.' According to the emails, ships were instructed to begin their voyages at set times, such as 9 a.m.
One such message stated: 'We now provide suggested crossing times differing by the day. It is not mandatory for your vessel to cross during these times, but it is advised for optimum support.'
Another message indicated that 'crossing during dark hours has not proven to be the safest option,' considering the threats faced by commercial vessels.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East, remarked that the messages are 'clear and need no further comment.'
Iran has attacked dozens of ships attempting to pass through the waterway in an attempt to assert control since the U.S. and Israel began confrontations with Iran in February.
The American adjustment to limit support to specific times of day coincides with escalated attacks by both sides on commercial maritime movements.
Iran announced early Wednesday that it targeted two American ships and eight oil tankers in retaliation for U.S. strikes that targeted five Iranian oil tankers.
The U.S. military reported these attacks as retaliation for an earlier attack by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on an American warship using ballistic missiles.