Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) has issued an advisory outlining the current maritime security situation in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Northern Arabian Sea as of 16 June 2025, detailing regional tensions, electronic interference, and recommended precautionary measures.
As of this report dated 16 June 2025 1300 UTC, the regional threat level remains significant as strikes continue from both Iran and Israel. The maritime threat level remains ELEVATED due to uncertainty within the current environment. JMIC continue to receive reports of electronic interference stemming from the vicinity of Port of Bandar Abbas, in the SoH and several other areas in the Arabian Gulf.
UKMTO Incident Number 023-25, issued on 16 June 2025, highlights multiple reports and AIS monitoring confirming a noticeable increase in electronic interference across the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. These interferences, which continue to intensify throughout the region, are having significant impact within the Gulf itself. This disruption is affecting vessels’ ability to accurately transmit positional data via automated identification systems (AIS), posing operational and navigational challenges for maritime traffic. Electronic navigation equipment has also been affected.
The Strait of Hormuz remains open and commercial traffic continues to flow. While there remains a media narrative on a potential blockade of the SoH, JMIC has no confirmed information pointing towards a blockade or a closure but is closely monitoring the situation. JMIC advises companies to conduct due diligence before accepting unconfirmed media or social media reports in the maritime.
The JMIC continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide timely updates should there be any changes. Monitor the UKMTO and MSCIO website for updated information.
Daily updates will be provided unless there is a reason to provide more timely information.
While there are no confirmed indications of an immediate threat to maritime traffic, the following scenarios would prompt a reassessment:
JMIC recommends following Best Management Practices and industry recommended MSTC-ME routing when transiting the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Northern Arabian Sea. Given the current operational pause, this window may be used to move, load or discharge vessels and if necessary, reposition into international waters. Should strikes occur, consider staying within territorial waters. When operating within the MSTS-ME navigational care is required when transiting between Abu Musa Island and the UAE mainland; water north of /Sharjah is becoming very congested.
As of this date, JMIC is still not aware of any planned escorts of merchant shipping.
With reports of AIS spoofing and extreme jamming in the SoH and the wider Arabian Gulf, JMIC recommends ships are ready to navigate with other means (/visual fixes etc.) and closely watch the gyro compasses as these are being impacted (due to GPS latitude correction feed).
