The Joint Maritime Information Center issued an advisory Wednesday stating that neutral ships sailing between the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz may be questioned, boarded, and searched by the US military. These measures are intended to enforce a naval blockade, and the US said vessels may be intercepted to confirm their intentions regardless of their flag, ownership, or whether they are carrying neutral cargo.
The warning expands on previous guidance for shipping companies to avoid unnecessary transits of the area to prevent voyage delays. While oil flows from the Gulf have returned to levels seen before the war, regional tensions have remained high, with Iranian attacks on ships approaching 30 throughout October.