US cautions American vessels in Strait of Hormuz to remain ‘as far as possible’ from Iranian waters

The guidance, issued on Monday by the US Maritime Administration, also cautioned American ship captains against allowing Iranian forces to board US-registered vessels while operating in the strategically sensitive waterway.

The United States has rolled out updated navigational instructions for US-flagged commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, urging ships to steer clear of Iran's territorial waters as tensions persist between Washington and Tehran.

The guidance, issued on Monday by the US Maritime Administration, also cautioned American ship captains against allowing Iranian forces to board US-registered vessels while operating in the strategically sensitive waterway.

"If Iranian forces board a US-flagged commercial vessel, the crew should not forcibly resist the boarding party. Refraining from forcible resistance does not imply consent or agreement to that boarding," the advisory said.

"It is recommended that US-flagged commercial vessels transiting these waters remain as far as possible from Iran's territorial sea without compromising navigational safety. When transiting eastbound in the Strait of Hormuz, it is recommended that vessels transit close to Oman's territorial sea."

The guidance was issued shortly after indirect talks between the United States and Iran were held in Oman, following weeks of heightened rhetoric that had raised concerns about a possible military confrontation, according to Al Jazeera.