U.S. Issues Fresh Guidance to Vessels Transiting Strait of Hormuz

Reuters

The Strait of Hormuz.

The United States on Monday issued updated guidance to commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for Middle Eastern oil exports, amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Iran has previously threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, parts of which fall within its territorial waters, and has on several occasions seized commercial vessels and oil tankers passing through the area on allegations of smuggling.

According to the guidance, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration advised U.S.-flagged commercial vessels to remain as far as possible from Iran’s territorial waters and to verbally refuse permission for Iranian forces to board their ships if requested.

"It is recommended that U.S.-flagged commercial vessels transiting these waters remain as far as possible from Iran’s territorial sea without compromising navigational safety," according to the guidance posted on its web site.

It also said crews should not forcibly resist Iranian forces if they board.

"If Iranian forces board a U.S.-flagged commercial vessel, the crew should not forcibly resist the boarding party," it said.

Iran’s top diplomat said on Friday that nuclear talks with the United States, mediated by Oman, had begun positively and would continue, remarks that may help ease concerns that the failure of diplomacy could push the Middle East closer to conflict.

Both sides have signalled a willingness to revive negotiations over Iran’s long-running nuclear dispute with the West. However, Washington has stated that it also seeks to address Iran’s ballistic missile programme, its support for armed groups across the region, and its human rights record as part of any broader talks.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump increased pressure on Tehran on Friday by signing an executive order imposing a 25 per cent tariff on imports from any country that “directly or indirectly” purchases goods from Iran. The move follows through on a threat he made last month as part of Washington’s efforts to curb Iran’s economic influence.

Source: Reuters



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