US restricts ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz

The United States has introduced new temporary windows for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, recommending that vessels follow them to ensure safety amid Iranian attacks. The changes took effect in early September. Letters note that a nighttime crossing is not necessarily the safest.

The United States has imposed new restrictions on ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, recommending that they transit during two shifting time windows rather than only at night. This decision comes amid ongoing Iranian attacks on vessels in the region. The change in time windows occurred around early September. One email sent to ships states that following the new windows is not mandatory but "recommended for optimal support." Another letter notes that "transit during dark hours has not proven to be the safest time of day." Thus, the US is adjusting its tactics to ensure maritime security in the strategically important strait, through which a significant portion of global oil supplies pass.