PRESS / GENERAL RELEASESnews desk

Advice for Members regarding situation in Middle East

15 May 2026

Middle East update 8 April 2026 - All-Member Security Briefing (video)

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Gulf Region Update 15 May: Stalemate continues

In the last week, little has changed in the region. Several ships have been threatened and there is a report of a livestock carrying dhow that has been attacked and sunk. All 14 crew from the vessel are safe and no injuries have been reported. A trickle of ships has continued to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, both along the coast of Oman as well as through the northern Iranian-controlled route.

Most eyes were watching the developments surrounding the State visit by the US President to China. However, there appears to have been little progress at this meeting with regards to the Gulf region.

The IMO Secretary General expressed his frustration at the lack of cooperation between coastal States at the opening session of the Maritime Safety Committee at IMO on Wednesday 13th May. Planning continues among various stakeholders on exit routes, but all are predicated on the cessation of hostilities between the belligerents.

Whilst this lack of progress is not harming seafarers, they still remain in a state of limbo within the Gulf Region and we continue to work on their behalf.

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Middle East update – 1 May: Frozen conflict continues

The situation in the Persian Gulf remains in a frozen state with all sides respecting the ceasefire. However, the blockade by the US and measures taken by Iran, means that traffic remains at a near standstill.

Due to the lack of diplomatic movement and that Iran has a veto on traffic movements through the threat of violence, none of the UN-based plans have seen any movement. The US is initiating plans that will take several weeks to commence – even the first planning meetings with industry. Additionally, the threat of mines requires extreme caution in any navigation through the area. Therefore, there is no expectation that even limited navigation will recommence in the next two weeks.

Planning, led by INTERTANKO, for safe navigation continues with various inter-industry working groups and meetings being held in conjunction with the IMO. Briefings and meetings continue between the Secretariat and multiple member States. 

The welfare of seafarers remains at the forefront of efforts and communications and discussions with labour-supplying States, such as the Philippines, continue. As we go to press, the Philippines Department of Migrant Workers is poised to issue a revised note allowing crew changes on a case-by-case basis following a risk assessment and statements by the incoming crew that they are content to join the vessel.

The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued new FAQs on 28 April which confirm that US-linked entities cannot make payments directly or indirectly for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and that “such payments also create significant sanctions exposure for non-US persons”.

The FAQs can be downloaded here https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1249.

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Middle East update – 24 April: Escapes, seizures, and ceasefires

The situation in the Persian Gulf remains difficult for all. There are some positive signs in that the US has unilaterally indefinitely extended its ceasefire and the ceasefire in the Lebanon has also been extended. However, Iran has now seized ships, the US has arrested ships breaching its imposed blockade, and there is no end in sight to the overall situation.

As we went to press last Friday, a dramatic series of events occurred. The Iranian Foreign Minister announced that following the ceasefire in the Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz would be open for all if they followed the Iranian route. The US President confirmed this and thanked Iran. A large group of ships immediately headed for the exit and INTERTANKO published a statement which outlined some concerns.

However, the Strait was open for only a short period of time and the concerns exercised in INTERTANKO’s statement came to the fore with the exercise of control by the IRGC over the Strait. While close to 40 ships did escape, several ships were attacked by the IRGC and the majority of ships returned to the Persian Gulf.

On the 22 April, a group of six MSC containerships with several other ships joining it, made a move to leave. This resulted in three ships being fired at, with one suffering damage to the bridge and another being hit by a projectile. Two ships were then seized by Iran and they remain anchored in Iranian waters with their crew on board.

The US has arrested approximately six ships for breaching their unilaterally imposed blockade. Some of these arrests have been undertaken at great distance from the Persian Gulf.

The current situation remains where Iran is allowing some ships to depart using its designated corridors. Members who have departed on this route have stated that they receive instructions form their charterer and then follow those. They have stated that no payments have been made. The situation relating to mines is that it is strongly believed that mines have been sown in the area of the Traffic Separation Scheme and it will take considerable efforts to ensure that no mines remain.

INTERTANKO continues to work with all stakeholders including through both military and diplomatic routes to find solutions to the issues of safe and free navigation and alongside the humanitarian issue for seafarers in the area. Our current advice is shown below:

  • Follow the BMP Maritime Security and report as required.
  • Follow the advice of the JMIC and EUNAVFOR and avoid the area as much as possible until the situation is clear.
  • If possible, delay transits through the Strait of Hormuz until the situation is clearer.
  • Liaise with the USN NCAGS, EUNAVFOR and UKMTO and report suspicious activity.
  • Due to concerns raised by JMIC following ships being attacked who are transmitting the AIS information, consider your AIS and LRIT policy in Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. If turning off LRIT, the ship’s flag State administration must be informed.
  • If passing through the area, to stay as far from Iran as possible.
  • Do not pay fees for transits to Iranian forces
  • The inshore traffic separation scheme in the Strait of Hormuz may be used to avoid immediate danger, however, this is not recommended for routine transits, due to the risk of collision.
  • Navigate as far from Yemen as navigationally possible and consider AIS policy.
  • Following the ship-specific risk assessment, when it is decided that it is safe to pass through the area, Masters should consider the possibility of encountering heavy traffic and continue to apply the COLREGs.
  • As jamming and spoofing of GPS and other GNSS is taking place, cross check against other methods.
  • Undertake a shipboard security drill.
  • Only rely upon information from trusted sources.

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Middle East update – 17 April: US blockade commences and ceasefire holds

The US-Iran ceasefire put into effect on 7 April, is due to expire on 21 April, however, there is widespread expectation it will be extended.

All sides appear to be respecting the ceasefire and attacks in the Persian Gulf region have halted, with no ship attacked since 7 April. Under the terms of the ceasefire, all transits through the Strait of Hormuz are meant to do so under the control of the Iranian military. A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah also entered into force on 17 April covering the Levant region. Separate ceasefires between the Houthis and the US, and the Houthis and Saudi Arabia remain in force. 

Face-to-face talks between the US and Iran failed to reach any conclusion on 11 April. following this, the US government announced a blockade of all ports and terminals along the entire coast of Iran, which came into effect at 1400 UTC on 13 April. The following is what we understand the blockade means in practice:

Applies to:   Entire Iranian coastline
                    All ports and terminals in Iran
                    All traffic to and from those ports
                    All ships carrying contraband (weapons, dual use equipment, nuclear materials, prohibited hydrocarbons, and computers)
                    All OFAC sanctioned vessels
End date:    Likely after a peace deal

Probably applies to:
                   Any Iranian flagged ship
 Exemptions:
                  Any neutral ship not calling in Iran
                  Ships carrying humanitarian shipments
                  Ships authorised by the US to call in Iranian ports

Due to concerns raised over the payment of fees to any entity designated by the US, UK, EU, and many other States as a terrorist organisation, the likelihood is that the US will not allow passage of any ship that has paid the Iranians and the central principle of freedom of navigation that no restrictions should be in place. INTERTANKO advises that ships should not pay fees for transit through these waters.

Other initiatives involving creating corridors for ships to be able to leave or enter the Persian Gulf region continue. These range from the IMO’s humanitarian evacuation corridor, the wider UN work on resumption of trade, and a coalition of the willing whose diplomatic efforts are led jointly by France and the UK. Both countries are meeting today (17 April) in Paris to formulate plans for a 40-country strong coalition to allow for freedom of navigation to recommence.

INTERTANKO’s draft plan on advice related to the safety of navigation is now under review by a coalition of the industry including OCIMF and the Round Table. The intention is for it to be issued as an industry-wide effort to assist in ensuring that ships are able to navigate safely when the situation is safe enough to resume transits.

INTERTANKO remains active in the efforts to assist in the international coordination of the response, the safety of navigation, and the humanitarian needs of seafarers. Further advice will be issued when required. Particular effort is now being directed at those Members who have ships stuck inside the Persian Gulf.

INTERTANKO advice as of 15 April 2026:

  • Follow the BMP Maritime Security and report as required.
  • Follow the advice of the JMIC and EUNAVFOR and avoid the area as much as possible until the situation is clear.
  • If possible, delay transits through the Strait of Hormuz until the situation is clearer.
  • Liaise with the USN NCAGS, EUNAVFOR and UKMTO and report suspicious activity.
  • Due to concerns raised by JMIC following ships being attacked who are transmitting the AIS information, consider your AIS and LRIT policy in Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. If turning off LRIT, the ship’s flag State administration must be informed.
  • If passing through the area, to stay as far from Iran as possible.
  • NEW: Do not pay fees for transits to Iranian forces.
  • The inshore traffic separation scheme in the Strait of Hormuz may be used to avoid immediate danger, however, this is not recommended for routine transits, due to the risk of collision.
  • Navigate as far from Yemen as navigationally possible and consider AIS policy.
  • Following the ship-specific risk assessment, when it is decided that it is safe to pass through the area, Masters should consider the possibility of encountering heavy traffic and continue to apply the COLREGs.
  • As jamming and spoofing of GPS and other GNSS is taking place, cross check against other methods.
  • Undertake a shipboard security drill.
  • Only rely upon information from trusted sources.

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Middle East update – 16 April: US blockade commences and ceasefire holds

The conflict in the Persian Gulf region can be classified as being on hold. The ceasefire put into effect on 7 April, still has one week to run. All sides appear to be respecting the ceasefire and attacks in the Persian Gulf region. Under the terms of that ceasefire, all transits through the Strait of Hormuz are meant to do so under the control of the Iranian military.

Face to face talks between the US and Iran failed to reach any conclusion following talks on 11 April. The US government announced a blockade of all ports and terminals along the entire coast of Iran. This came into effect at 1400UTC on 13 April. The following is what we understand the blockade means in practice:

Applies to:

Entire Iranian coastline
All ports and terminals in Iran
All traffic to and from those ports
All ships carrying contraband

Applied from:

1400 UTC 13 April

Probably applies to:

Any ship that pays a fee/toll to Iran
Any Iranian flagged ship

 Exemptions:    

Any neutral ship not calling in Iran
Ships carrying humanitarian shipments
Ships authorised by the US to call in Iranian ports

Due to the concerns raised over the payment of fees to any entity designated by the US, UK, EU, and many other States as a terrorist organisation and the likelihood that the US will not allow passage of any ship that has paid the Iranians, INTERTANKO advises that ships should not pay fees for transit through these waters. This advice will be added to the comprehensive advice below.

For mines, the latest JMIC advisory states:

“Operators should treat the traffic separation scheme (TSS) and adjacent waters as a potential mine-risk area until mine locations have been verified and threats to transiting ships mitigated.”

Other initiatives on creating corridors for ships to be able to leave or enter the Persian Gulf region continues. These range from the IMO’s humanitarian evacuation corridor, the wider UN work on resumption of trade, and a coalition of the willing whose diplomatic efforts are led jointly by France and the UK.

INTERTANKO’s draft plan on advice related to the safety of navigation is now under review by a coalition of the industry including OCIMF and the Round Table. The intention is for this to be issued as an industry wide effort to assist in ensuring that ships are able to navigate safely when the situation is safe enough to resume transits.

INTERTANKO remains active in the efforts to assist in the international coordination of the response, the safety of navigation, and the humanitarian needs of seafarers. Further advice will be issued when required. Particular effort is now being directed at those members who have ships stuck inside the Persian Gulf.

See bottom of the page for INTERTANKO’s latest advice.

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Middle East update – 10 April: Fragile ceasefire holding in Persian Gulf region

A fragile peace based upon a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, is holding in the Persian Gulf region.

This is welcomed and exists as a pre-cursor for detailed talks between the US and Iran due to formally commence in Islamabad on Saturday 11 April. Whilst Israel appears not to be part of the ceasefire agreement, it has stated that it will halt attacks on Iran.

Unlike in ceasefires in other conflicts, no definitive ceasefire agreement has been published. This means that the warring factions continue to interpret the situation as they see fit. Israel, for example, has interpreted the agreement to be on only covering Iran and so it has continued to strike targets in Lebanon and elsewhere. Similarly, the agreement in its various versions talks to a full and complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz (SoH). Iran claims that the SoH is now open. However, Iran continues to exercise complete control on this international waterway by threatening to attack any ship that tries to pass through without its permission. Therefore, the current situation should be seen as a cessation of violence, rather than a complete ceasefire agreement.

The current situation in the Persian Gulf remains one where conflict could break out at very short notice, the SoH is effectively closed with only around 15 ships passing through per day and Iran exercising a veto on the ships that pass through. The Gulf countries have rejected a long-term solution where Iran retains control of the SoH and Oman in particular has rejected the idea of tolls being levied upon ships.

The IMO continues to develop the humanitarian evacuation corridor for ships to leave the Persian Gulf. The concept for this is that ships will be able to leave the region so as to focus upon the humanitarian needs of the seafarers. More detailed plans have been provided to the Omani and Iranian authorities for their approval. No timeline is currently in place for the execution of this plan. In wider UN-led initiatives, a large group of UN agencies such as FAO and UNCTAD are working with the UN Secretary General’s personal envoy Jean Arnault of France, to facilitate a plan to reopen the SoH to facilitate trade. The priority for this work will be to allow the passage of fertiliser. Again, no timeline is available for this plan.

INTERTANKO’s Nautical Sub-Committee has developed a plan covering safety of navigation once the area is no longer subject to indiscriminate attack. This plan is now being worked on by the Round Table organisations plus OCIMF with a view to being issued as an industry-wide plan. It is expected that this will be available by the end of next week.

INTERTANKO’s advice remains unchanged at this time - see below.

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Middle East update 13 March – No deescalation in sight

The conflict continues with no sign of reduction in the threat to ships within the Gulf region.

Approximately 20 ships have now been attacked, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 seafarers and life-changing injuries for others. Attacks have occurred on ships across the region, from off Kuwait to deep into the Gulf of Oman.

Ships with association to the US, China, and Iran itself have all suffered hits from Iranian forces. A single digit number of ships have passed through the region and the Strait of Hormuz, however, the Strait remains extremely dangerous and unsafe for general navigation.

The threat of mines remains only a threat, with no evidence provided from military and intelligence sources. No escorting or physical support from naval vessels is available in the region and there is no timeline for this support.

The Houthis have not taken any steps to enter the conflict, but the group retains a considerable arsenal and this is held at a high state of readiness. However, the JMIC and others assess that the Houthis are currently not preparing to attack ships.

The JMIC has stated that the threat level is CRITICAL, which means that an attack is almost certain.

The JMIC briefings can be downloaded here:

https://www.ukmto.org/partner-products/jmic-products/jmic-advisories/2026

INTERTANKO continues to work with the military and intelligence authorities across a broad range of States, as well as our industry and welfare partners. Close liaison has been maintained with the European Commission and the IMO.

An ad hoc working group of INTERTANKO’s Nautical Sub-Committee has commenced work on plans to assist in the safe navigation of ships within the area. The aim is to manage any sudden rush of transits through the area once either support is available or the area is deemed to be safe enough for general transit.

The IMO will be holding an emergency extraordinary session next week and INTERTANKO is currently coordinating a submission that highlights the issues faced by seafarers in the region and some practical steps to be taken to provide some relief. These are in line with the three aspects that are driving INTERTANKO’s work:

  • Seafarer Welfare
  • Safety of Navigation
  • Coordinated military support.

INTERTANKO will continue to respond to issues raised by Members and provide support through advice and guidance.

Following discussions with the most trusted sources, INTERTANKO offers the following advice to Members as of 15 April:

  • Follow the BMP Maritime Security and report as required.
  • Follow the advice of the JMIC and EUNAVFOR and avoid the area as much as possible until the situation is clear.
  • If possible, delay transits through the Strait of Hormuz until the situation is clearer.
  • Liaise with the USN NCAGS, EUNAVFOR and UKMTO and report suspicious activity.
  • Due to concerns raised by JMIC following ships being attacked who are transmitting the AIS information, consider your AIS and LRIT policy in Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. If turning off LRIT, the ship’s flag State administration must be informed.
  • If passing through the area, to stay as far from Iran as possible.
  • NEW: Do not pay fees for transits to Iranian forces
  • The inshore traffic separation scheme in the Strait of Hormuz may be used to avoid immediate danger, however, this is not recommended for routine transits, due to the risk of collision.
  • Navigate as far from Yemen as navigationally possible and consider AIS policy.
  • Following the ship specific risk assessment, when it is decided that it is safe to pass through the area, Masters should consider the possibility of encountering heavy traffic and continue to apply the COLREGs.
  • As jamming and spoofing of GPS and other GNSS is taking place, cross check against other methods.
  • Undertake a shipboard security drill.
  • Only rely upon information from trusted sources.

INTERTANKO will continue to provide further updates as necessary as the situation develops.

Contact: Phil Belcher

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