Vessels told to avoid Iranian waters, deny boarding permission verbally—but not resist if boarded—as nuclear talks continue under shadow of Trump tariff threat.
The United States has issued updated and direct guidance to American commercial ships transiting the critical Strait of Hormuz, advising them to maximize their distance from Iranian territorial waters amid simmering bilateral tensions.
The advisory, published Monday by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), calls on U.S.-flagged vessels to “remain as far as possible from Iran’s territorial sea without compromising navigational safety” while navigating the narrow chokepoint, through which a substantial portion of the world’s seaborne oil passes.
In a clear protocol for potential confrontation, the guidance instructs crews to verbally decline Iranian forces permission to board if approached. However, it explicitly states, “If Iranian forces board a U.S.-flagged commercial vessel, the crew should not forcibly resist the boarding party,” prioritizing crew safety and de-escalation.
The advisory reflects persistent risks in a waterway Iran has repeatedly threatened to close. A portion of the Strait lies within Iran’s territorial limits, and its forces have historically seized commercial ships, often citing violations or smuggling allegations.
This maritime warning unfolds against a complex diplomatic landscape. Just days before the advisory, Iran’s top diplomat indicated that U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, mediated by Oman, were “off to a good start.” However, Washington has broadened its demands, insisting discussions must also address Iran’s ballistic missile program, support for regional proxy groups, and human rights record.
Simultaneously, the economic pressure continues. On Friday, President Donald Trump followed through on a previous threat, signing an executive order that imposes a 25% tariff on imports from any nation that trades with Iran, directly or indirectly.
The new maritime guidance underscores the precarious balance in the region: diplomatic channels are formally open, yet military and economic pressures are actively escalating, leaving commercial vessels navigating both a physical and geopolitical strait.
