DUBAI — May 8, 2026 : Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has issued a radio advisory instructing commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz to remain at least 10 miles away from United States warships, amid continued military tensions and disruptions to maritime traffic in the region.
The advisory was broadcast over VHF Channel 16, the international emergency radio frequency used for maritime communications. According to an audio recording shared with CNN, a voice identified as part of the IRGC Navy warned vessels to keep their distance from US naval ships “for your safety,” adding that Iranian forces could use “missiles and drones” against American warships during potential operations.
The warning followed overnight skirmishes and heightened naval activity in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes for global energy supplies. Maritime industry sources cited by CNN stated that Iranian forces also contacted commercial ships operating in the northern section of the waterway and instructed them to move southward toward Dubai. The vessels reportedly complied with the instructions. Sources further reported hearing intense gunfire in parts of the strait during the same period.
The IRGC advisory forms part of broader Iranian maritime measures introduced during the ongoing confrontation surrounding the US-led “Project Freedom” operation. The operation, launched by the United States to escort and guide commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, has involved increased US naval deployments and convoy protection efforts. US officials have stated that several merchant vessels have successfully completed transit operations under naval support.
Iranian authorities, however, have disputed some US claims regarding safe passage operations and have continued enforcement activities in the area. The IRGC has previously issued directives regarding designated shipping corridors and warned that vessels deviating from assigned routes could be considered security threats. Iranian forces have also seized commercial ships in certain instances during the current standoff.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre has stated that commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains “significantly reduced” due to the security situation. In recent advisories, the organisation warned that navigation through the waterway carries a “high risk based upon recent attacks on ships in the area” and confirmed several security-related incidents over the past 48 hours.
The latest developments come after the United States implemented a naval blockade on April 13 targeting commercial shipping linked to Iranian ports. Following the start of the blockade, US Central Command reported intercepting dozens of vessels suspected of violating restrictions. Iran responded by increasing IRGC naval patrols, deploying drones, and conducting seizures of cargo vessels transiting the strait.
Marine traffic monitoring data indicates that a growing number of commercial ships are currently loitering on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz rather than attempting transit, reflecting continued uncertainty among shipping operators and insurers over the security environment.
US Central Command has maintained that American naval forces are operating to ensure freedom of navigation and protect commercial shipping, while responding to threats in self-defence. Iranian state-affiliated media outlets have reported missile and drone operations targeting US forces, although US officials have denied reports that American warships sustained damage during recent encounters.
No new operational changes to commercial transit procedures or US naval deployments in the region have been officially announced by either Washington or Tehran. International maritime authorities and naval forces continue to monitor the situation closely as tensions persist in the Strait of Hormuz.
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