The Strait of Hormuz became a focal point of conflict on Sunday, as reported electronic warfare and a series of vessel “attacks” occurred along the vital energy corridor, reportedly triggered by actions under Operation Epic Fury.
This rapid intensification came after a February 28 advisory that urged commercial ships to steer clear of strategic sea lanes, including the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea, due to elevated security threats.
“It is recommended that vessels keep clear of this area if possible,” the advisory stated.
Jakob P. Larsen, head of maritime security at , informed Digital that “The Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters are the most dangerous place right now for commercial shipping.”
“Ships in the Persian Gulf are under threat from Iranian attacks,” Larsen stated.
He added, “To protect themselves, most ships stay as far away from Iran as they can,” and noted that vessels are “trying to depart from the Persian Gulf to get away from the threat.”
On Sunday, the UKMTO and regional authorities documented several maritime incidents categorized as “attacks.”
According to data, one ship west of Sharjah, UAE, experienced an explosion from an unidentified projectile that blew up near its hull, while a tanker north of Muscat, Oman, was hit above the waterline, causing a fire that was subsequently controlled.
The organization also reported a third vessel northwest of Mina Saqr, UAE, was struck by a projectile that .
Adding to the direct dangers, maritime intelligence firm Windward identified widespread GPS and Automatic Identification System (AIS) interference, affecting over 1,000 vessels.
Windward reported significant navigation disruptions near Iran’s Bandar Abbas port, where ships were incorrectly shown at airports, a nuclear facility, and inland areas.
Several new clusters of AIS jamming were also detected across and within Iranian waters, according to Windward.
Citing the safety of crew and cargo, major shipping firm Maersk declared it would divert some of its services from the region.
The Strait is a conduit for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and gas exports, and vessel traffic has already decreased, with some tankers turning around or disabling their AIS transponders.
Industry groups also issued warnings regarding the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, with analysts suggesting Iran might impound ships associated with U.S. or Israeli interests.
“The Houthis have threatened to resume attacks on ships in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden,” Larsen clarified.
He said vessels with commercial links to the U.S. or Israel are viewed as more probable targets, but others could be hit intentionally or by mistake.
The tanker owners’ association also alerted its members that “the expectation is that the Houthis may respond and recommence attacks on shipping,” even though current intelligence was not definitive.
“There are no signs of Iranian attempts to close the Strait with sea mines or naval mines, although this can change at short notice,” Larsen further commented, confirming that GPS jamming has “increased significantly following the initiation of hostilities.”