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Merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz now face explicit warnings that failure to comply with U.S. military directives could result in hostile treatment. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) released two maritime security advisories on Thursday as the U.S. Navy intensifies military operations in the region and maintains enforcement of a blockade targeting Iranian ports.
According to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), vessels that do not comply with directions from U.S. forces "may be determined to be an imminent threat and subject to proportionate measure of self-defense in accordance with international law." This represents one of the strongest warnings issued to commercial shipping since the crisis began.
The advisory further specifies that any vessel observed engaging in or supporting mine-laying activities "will be targeted by U.S. forces in self defense."
The warning was included in JMIC Advisory Note 005-26, which announced military operations north of Oman's Musandam Peninsula, a strategically important area overlooking the Strait of Hormuz. The advisory accuses Iran of attempting to exert illegal control over the waterway and conducting mine-laying operations that endanger commercial shipping.
Mariners received specific operational instructions:
The JMIC maintained its regional maritime threat level at CRITICAL, warning vessel operators to expect:
A second advisory, JMIC Note 006-26, reaffirmed that the U.S.-led blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect throughout the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and North Arabian Sea.
All traffic inbound to or outbound from Iranian ports remains subject to blockade enforcement. The advisory states that vessels participating in ship-to-ship transfers intended to circumvent the blockade may also be considered in violation.
Enforcement actions may include "disabling and destructive fires" against vessels that fail to demonstrate immediate compliance with blockading forces.
While the U.S. Navy stated that neutral merchant shipping remains free to navigate international waters, it cautioned that it cannot guarantee the safety of vessels operating near ongoing military operations. Ships transiting the region were advised to clearly communicate their intentions and respond promptly to military hails.
The advisories underscore the increasingly dangerous environment facing commercial shipping in one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions, military authorities continue to warn that the threat to merchant vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz remains severe.
Fuente: GCAPTAIN_NEWS
