Maritime security risks remained “severe” across the Middle East maritime region, with Iran continuing to monitor and harass commercial shipping around the Strait of Hormuz, according to a regional maritime security advisory.
The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) based in Bahrain, said in Advisory No. 093, issued at 0315 UTC on Sept. 3 (7.15pm Gulf), that its regional threat level remained at “severe”.
The assessment covered the previous 48 hours and highlighted continued military activity, navigation-system interference and reduced commercial traffic through the strategic waterway.Iran continues surveillance and harassment
The JMIC said attacks, attempted attacks and harassment by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps persisted around the strait.
Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz showed a modest increase from recent lows but remained well below normal levels, according to the JMIC.
Independent vessel-tracking data showed single-digit numbers of vessels transiting the strait in both directions during the period covered by the advisory.
US Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping, or NCAGS, data gave a somewhat higher figure, showing an average of more than 20 vessel transits a day during the previous week.
The differing figures reflect the use of different tracking and reporting systems, but both point to the same conclusion: commercial shipping remains heavily suppressed.
No confirmed attacks or disruptions were reported in the Arabian Gulf during the 48-hour period, the JMIC said.
Traffic flows remained stable and congestion at anchorages was largely unchanged. The JMIC said wider military activity also warranted caution from commercial operators.