The US Maritime Administration under the Department of Transportation issued new guidance on the 9th to US-flagged commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, recommending that ships stay as far away from Iranian territorial waters as possible.
The Maritime Administration pointed out that if Iranian forces request to board, a verbal refusal should be made, but if they have already boarded, the crew should not resist with force.
The Maritime Administration stated that, when traveling eastward through the Strait of Hormuz, vessels are advised to stay as close as possible to Omani territorial waters.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for Middle Eastern oil supplies, partly lies within Iranian territorial waters. Iran has previously threatened to block this area and has detained passing commercial ships and oil tankers on suspicion of smuggling.
The US and Iran restarted indirect nuclear talks in Oman on the 6th, with further meetings expected this week.