The United States has issued fresh guidance for US-flagged ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz, urging them to steer clear of Iranian waters amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The advisory comes as Washington and Tehran engage in indirect talks aimed at easing regional strains.

The US Maritime Administration released guidelines on Monday, warning commercial ships to avoid Iran’s territorial sea wherever possible. Captains are also advised not to forcibly resist if Iranian forces board their vessels, emphasizing that refraining from resistance does not constitute consent.

The advisory recommends that vessels transiting eastbound in the Strait of Hormuz stay closer to Oman’s territorial waters to ensure maximum safety.

Context

This warning comes after the first round of indirect US-Iran talks in Oman last Friday, amid weeks of escalating rhetoric that brought both countries close to confrontation.

Historically, the Gulf region’s shipping lanes have faced threats due to geopolitical turmoil. Yemen’s Houthi group, for example, recently targeted Israel-linked vessels in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, Iran has previously suggested the possibility of closing the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial chokepoint for global oil supply—if hostilities escalate.

Recent security incidents

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted naval exercises in the Strait late last month, prompting US military warnings. The US also shot down an Iranian drone that approached one of its aircraft carriers. In previous years, Washington seized Iranian oil tankers as part of its sanctions campaign, while sabotage attacks against vessels have been reported in the Gulf of Oman.

Nuclear talks

Amid these tensions, nuclear negotiations remain a key focus. The US continues to press Iran on uranium enrichment and missile programs, while Tehran insists on its right to enrich uranium domestically under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Vice President JD Vance emphasized that President Trump retains final authority on the negotiations, keeping certain red lines private.

The US administration also maintains a significant military presence in the region as a precaution against potential threats to shipping and energy infrastructure.