Iran May Target Commercial Vessels, US Claims

In the advisory posted on Thursday, the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) claimed that since early May there had been an increased possibility of Iran or its regional proxies taking action against US and partner interests, according to Reuters.

These included, MARAD said, oil production infrastructure, after Tehran threatened to close the vital Strait of Hormuz chokepoint through which about a fifth of oil consumed globally passes.

“Iran or its proxies could respond by targeting commercial vessels, including oil tankers, or US military vessels in the Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, or the Persian Gulf,” MARAD said.

“Reporting indicates heightened Iranian readiness to conduct offensive operations against US forces and interests,” it further claimed.

US-Iranian tensions have risen since US President Donald Trump withdrew a year ago from the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers.

Vice Admiral Jim Malloy, commander of the US Navy’s Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet, said on Thursday its forces were on a heightened state of readiness, although the US military was not seeking or preparing for war with Iran.

MARAD said US-flagged ships were encouraged to contact the Fifth Fleet at least two days before sailing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said on Thursday that his administration had information Iran was "threatening" the United States, though he provided no details.

"We have information that you don't want to know about," Trump said. But he added that "we don't want to have to do anything."

Trump said he was ready to speak with Iranian leaders and come to an understanding that would allow the country to improve its economic prospects. "What I'd like to see with Iran, I'd like to see them call me."

"I look forward to the day where we can actually help Iran. We're not looking to hurt Iran,” Trump added.

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