The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued an urgent security advisory to U.S.-flagged commercial vessels operating in or near the Strait of Hormuz, urging heightened caution amid rising regional tensions.

According to the advisory, ship crews are instructed to refuse any inspection requests by Iranian forces when operating in international waters.

However, MARAD emphasized that if vessels are boarded by force, crews should not resist with violence, in order to protect lives and prevent incidents from escalating into a broader international crisis.

The warning reflects growing concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most critical shipping chokepoints.

No confrontation ordered.
But the risk is real.