US Maritime Authorities Issue 'Iran Warning' to Ships Sailing in the Middle East

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] As tensions between the two countries reached a peak following the death of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a U.S. airstrike, U.S. maritime authorities have issued a warning to vessels navigating the Middle East.

On the 7th (local time), the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued an alert, reported by AP News, stating that "there is a possibility of Iranian actions targeting U.S. maritime assets."

The Middle Eastern waters, including the Strait of Hormuz, are the most critical sea routes for global energy transportation.

The Strait of Hormuz, which leads into the Persian Gulf, is considered a strategic chokepoint through which 20% of the world's oil shipments pass.

Meanwhile, in May of last year, four vessels?including oil tankers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Norway?were attacked by mines in the Oman Sea near the United Arab Emirates (UAE). At that time, the U.S. pointed to Iran as responsible for the attacks, but Iran denied the allegations.