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

30/05/2026

DUBAI, May 30: US and UK maritime authorities have issued a warning to commercial vessels operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz, citing ongoing military operations north of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula and heightened security risks in the strategic waterway.

In a Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) advisory issued Friday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and US Naval Forces Central Command (USNAVCENT) said military activity is underway in the northern Strait of Hormuz and urged mariners to exercise extreme caution due to rapidly evolving conditions.

The advisory warned that military operations are taking place near one of the world’s most important shipping lanes and advised vessels to remain vigilant, maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16, and report any suspicious activity.

In a separate notice, USNAVCENT’s Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) office said military operations would continue north of the Musandam Peninsula “until further notice.”

The US military accused 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.

USNAVCENT advised mariners to avoid the Strait of Hormuz traffic separation scheme where possible, coordinate transits with NCAGS, comply with instructions from US forces, and navigate in accordance with international maritime regulations.

The notice stated that US forces operating in the Strait of Hormuz remain on high alert and warned that any vessel observed engaging in or supporting mine-laying activities would be targeted in self-defense. It also cautioned that vessels failing to comply with directions issued by US forces could be deemed a threat and subjected to proportionate defensive measures under international law.

The advisory did not provide details of specific incidents but underscored growing security concerns in the region and the potential risks to commercial shipping transiting the narrow maritime chokepoint linking the Gulf to global markets.