Trump administration warns US vessels to stay away from Iran territorial waters

THE HILL-Feb 10th, 2026

by Ryan Mancini

The Trump administration on Monday warned American commercial vessels to keep away from the waters around Iran amid rising tensions between the countries and a large fleet of U.S. military ships in the region.

The Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration advised the vessels against moving toward the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, warning that if they are hailed by Iranian troops, ships “should provide vessel name and flag state and affirm that they are proceeding in accordance with international law as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention,” according to an advisory.

The commercial ships were also advised to decline Iranian troops access and if the regime does board without permission, “the crew should not forcibly resist the boarding party,” the department stated.

“Refraining from forcible resistance does not imply consent or agreement to that boarding,” the agency added.

“It is recommended that U.S.-flagged commercial vessels transiting these waters remain as far as possible from Iran’s territorial sea without compromising navigational safety,” the advisory continues. “When transiting eastbound in the Strait of Hormuz, it is recommended that vessels transit close to Oman’s territorial sea.”

The administration also recommended that ships heading east into the strait should avoid Iran’s territorial sea and move closer to Oman’s territorial waters. The advisory will remain in effect until Aug. 8.

The department’s guidance for commercial vessels comes shortly after President Trump said talks between the U.S. and Iran were “very good” on Friday. He still warned, however, that there are “very steep” consequences that Iran could face if a deal is not reached between the nations over its nuclear program.

“You have to get in position,” Trump said last week. “We have plenty of time if you remember Venezuela, we waited around for a while and we’re in no rush.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praised the indirect talks with the U.S. in Oman, calling them “a step forward,” according to Reuters. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in an interview with Al Jazeera, also appeared optimistic, but warned that Iran will strike U.S. bases in retaliation if the U.S. strikes Tehran.

“In my view this is very clear,” Araghchi said, according to a translation from the outlet. “If the U.S. attacks us, it is evident that we don’t have the ability and access to attack U.S. territory, and therefore have to attack or retaliate to U.S. bases in the region. And unfortunately, U.S. bases are spread all over the region.”

The most recent talks come after the U.S. carried out strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites in June. Tensions have been exacerbated recently after a series of anti-government protests were met with force, with over 6,900 killed as of Monday, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with Trump on Tuesday to expand negotiations to limit ballistic missiles “and ending support for the Iranian axis,” Netanyahu’s office said over the weekend — referring to Iran-backed militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

The Associated Press contributed.

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https://thehill.com/policy/international/5731061-trump-administration-warning-commercial-vessels-iranian-waters/