The US-Israeli missile attack on ships in the Strait of Hormuz followed the Iranian attack

The Strait of Hormuz region became a flash point later Sunday US-Israel attacks on Iran Under Operation Epic Fury, electronic warfare activity and several “attacks” were launched on ships in one of the world’s most critical energy waterways, according to the report.

The sudden increase followed the February 28 warning US Marine Officer It urged commercial vessels to avoid strategic waterways if possible, including the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, citing increasing security threats.

“Vessels are recommended to avoid the area if possible,” the advisory warned.

“The Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters are currently the most dangerous places for commercial shipping,” Jacob P. Larson, chief of maritime security. BIMCOtold Fox News Digital.

“Ships in the Persian Gulf are at risk from Iranian attacks,” Larsen said.

A navy ship is seen on March 1, 2026, passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which most of the world’s oil and gas transits. (Sahar Al Attar/AFP via Getty Images)

“To protect themselves, most ships stay as far away from Iran as possible,” he added, before describing how ships are “trying to leave the Persian Gulf to get away from danger.”

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and regional authorities reported several maritime incidents listed as “attacks” on Sunday.

A ship west of Sharjah, UAE, was rocked by an explosion from an unidentified projectile that exploded nearby, and another tanker hit above the waterline north of Muscat, Oman, causing a fire that was later brought under control, according to the data.

A third ship, northwest of the UAE’s Mina Saqr, was also hit by a missile. A fire was lit on the shipThe organization reported.

Escalating physical threats is a The rise of electronic warfare With a maritime intelligence firm Windward reporting Widespread GPS and Automatic Identification System (AIS) interference, affecting 1,000-plus vessels.

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Map showing the Straits of Hormuz and Iran. (Reuters)

Windward cited massive navigational disruptions near Iran’s Bandar Abbas port, with ships making false appearances at airports, nuclear power plants and inland locations.

Several new AIS jamming clusters were also identified Emirates, Qatar, Omani And Iranian water, Windward said.

Major shipping company Maersk announced the rerouting of some services from the region, citing crew and cargo safety.

Roughly 20% of global oil and gas exports pass through the strait, and traffic has already been thinned by some tankers changing routes or turning off AIS signals.

Industry groups also warned Houthi response In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, analysts warned that Iran could seize vessels linked to US or Israeli interests.

“The Houthis have threatened to resume attacks on ships in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden,” Larsen explained.

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The Strait of Hormuz faces increasing security risks after US-Israeli attacks led to maritime incidents, prompting shipping companies to reroute ships.

Ships with commercial ties to U.S. or Israeli interests are considered more likely targets, though others could be hit deliberately or accidentally, he said.

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Tanker Owners Association Intertanko It also warned members that “the expectation is that the Houthis will respond and resume attacks on shipping,” although immediate intelligence remained unclear.

“There are no signs of Iranian efforts to close the strait with sea mines or naval mines, although this could change at short notice,” Larsen added, before confirming that GPS interference “has increased significantly since the start of hostilities.”

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