Iran Ports: Ships Anchor Amid US Tension Rise

Dozens of commercial ships have taken precautionary positions outside Iran’s port limits in recent days as tensions with the United States escalate amid ongoing protests within the country. The movements are a response to concerns about potential collateral damage from air strikes on nearby infrastructure.

Commercial Ship Movements Increase Near Iran

Shipping sources indicate the precautionary anchoring of vessels is due to the heightened tensions and protests in Iran. Port limits are considered significant due to the increased risk of collateral damage should nearby infrastructure be targeted in air strikes.

The United States is withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle East, according to a U.S. official, following a warning from a senior Iranian official that American bases would be targeted if Iran is attacked.

Iran relies on seaborne trade for imports, utilizing dry bulkers, general cargo ships, container ships, and oil tankers for exports.

Analysis by Pole Star Global shows a jump in the number of tankers entering Iran’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) – a stretch of water along its Gulf and Caspian coasts – from one vessel between January 6-12 to 36 tankers.

MarineTraffic data indicates at least 25 bulk carriers are stationary in Iran’s EEZ off the major port of Bandar Imam Khomeini. An additional 25 ships, including container and cargo vessels, have dropped anchor further south off the port of Bandar Abbas, according to MarineTraffic data.

Israel launched air strikes in June targeting Bandar Abbas. Prior to that, unexplained blasts killed at least 70 people in April, and authorities did not rule out sabotage.

As Iran’s leadership attempts to quell the worst unrest in the Islamic Republic’s history, Tehran is seeking to deter repeated threats from the U.S. to intervene on behalf of anti-government protesters.

The U.S. Navy’s Combined Maritime Force reported a “substantial” increase in interference with GNSS navigation systems, including GPS, in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz area over the past week. This is likely due to force protection measures related to the ongoing political tensions, and vessels transiting the area could be impacted.