13
Apr 2026
14:01 UTC
Persian Gulf Alert (UPDATE): UKMTO announces maritime access restrictions for Iranian ports, coastal areas starting 14:00 UTC on April 13; avoid all travel
Current Situation:
- On April 13, the UKMTO stated that effective 14:00 UTC on April 13, maritime access restrictions will be imposed on Iranian ports and coastal areas, including the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz. These measures apply to all vessels, regardless of flag, engaging with Iranian maritime infrastructure.
- The restrictions cover Iran’s entire coastline, including ports and energy facilities. However, transit through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations is not currently reported to be impeded, though vessels may encounter increased military presence, communications, or inspections during passage.
- Neutral vessels already in Iranian ports have been granted a limited departure window, with further operational details, including enforcement mechanisms and exemptions, expected through official Notices to Mariners (NTM).
- The UKMTO stated that mariners are advised to maintain heightened vigilance and adhere to forthcoming guidance, as broader maritime threat and security assessments remain unchanged.
- Additionally, according to an unconfirmed report on April 13, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has issued a note to seafarers stating that the US military will enforce a blockade in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz from 14:00 GMT on April 13. The note purportedly claims that any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorization is subject to interception, diversion, and capture.
- The note added that the blockade applies to all Iranian ports and coastal infrastructure, including oil terminals, but does not restrict neutral vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations. Humanitarian shipments, including food and medical supplies, remain permitted, subject to inspection.
Recommendations:
- Avoid maritime travel through the Arabian/Persian Gulf and the Red Sea (and Gulf of Aden) given the risk of attacks on vessels in these waterways.
- Remain apprised of UKMTO and US DOT Maritime Administration-issued notices, as well as being aware of NATO Shipping Center alerts.
- Continue monitoring regional developments amid elevated tensions.
AFFECTED AREA
Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Extreme
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Confirmed
Current Situation:
- On April 13, the UKMTO stated that effective 14:00 UTC on April 13, maritime access restrictions will be imposed on Iranian ports and coastal areas, including the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz. These measures apply to all vessels, regardless of flag, engaging with Iranian maritime infrastructure.
- The restrictions cover Iran’s entire coastline, including ports and energy facilities. However, transit through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations is not currently reported to be impeded, though vessels may encounter increased military presence, communications, or inspections during passage.
- Neutral vessels already in Iranian ports have been granted a limited departure window, with further operational details, including enforcement mechanisms and exemptions, expected through official Notices to Mariners (NTM).
- The UKMTO stated that mariners are advised to maintain heightened vigilance and adhere to forthcoming guidance, as broader maritime threat and security assessments remain unchanged.
- Additionally, according to an unconfirmed report on April 13, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has issued a note to seafarers stating that the US military will enforce a blockade in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz from 14:00 GMT on April 13. The note purportedly claims that any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorization is subject to interception, diversion, and capture.
- The note added that the blockade applies to all Iranian ports and coastal infrastructure, including oil terminals, but does not restrict neutral vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations. Humanitarian shipments, including food and medical supplies, remain permitted, subject to inspection.
Recommendations:
- Avoid maritime travel through the Arabian/Persian Gulf and the Red Sea (and Gulf of Aden) given the risk of attacks on vessels in these waterways.
- Remain apprised of UKMTO and US DOT Maritime Administration-issued notices, as well as being aware of NATO Shipping Center alerts.
- Continue monitoring regional developments amid elevated tensions.
AFFECTED AREA
Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Extreme
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Confirmed
Related Reports
MENA
-
Armed ConflictMENA Alert (UPDATE): Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya commander on April 15 threatens shipping in Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman if US naval blockade continues; avoid all travel -
DevelopingTurkey Alert (UPDATE): Four fatalities, perpetrator dies by suicide following shooting at Ayser Calik Middle School in Kahramanmaras city during early afternoon hours on April 15; avoid nonessential travel -
Militancy/Terrorism[REVISED] Algeria Alert (UPDATE): Suicide bombings result in casualties near Blida on April 13; avoid all travel to area -
Militancy/TerrorismAlgeria Alert (UPDATE): Suicide bombings result in casualties near Blida on April 13; avoid all travel to area
Related Reports
MENA
-
Armed ConflictMENA Alert (UPDATE): Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya commander on April 15 threatens shipping in Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman if US naval blockade continues; avoid all travel
-
DevelopingTurkey Alert (UPDATE): Four fatalities, perpetrator dies by suicide following shooting at Ayser Calik Middle School in Kahramanmaras city during early afternoon hours on April 15; avoid nonessential travel
-
Militancy/Terrorism[REVISED] Algeria Alert (UPDATE): Suicide bombings result in casualties near Blida on April 13; avoid all travel to area
-
Militancy/TerrorismAlgeria Alert (UPDATE): Suicide bombings result in casualties near Blida on April 13; avoid all travel to area