Middle East Maritime Security Update | JMIC Note 077

28 July 2026 – The latest JMIC Advisory Note 077 confirms that security conditions across the Middle East continue to vary by region. Commercial traffic continues, but operators should expect different operating conditions depending on the route.

Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz remains at SEVERE threat level.

No new attacks have been reported during the last 48 hours. However, commercial traffic remains well below normal levels, with single-digit daily crossings through the northern Iranian corridor. A notable share of vessels continues to transit with AIS switched off, while IRGC hailing and UAS surveillance remain ongoing.

Following 14 Iranian attacks since 25 June, JMIC continues to assess deliberate hostile action as highly likely.

Bab el-Mandeb / Southern Red Sea

The threat level has been raised to SUBSTANTIAL following the confirmed Houthi strike on a Saudi-flagged tanker.

Although Houthi representatives continue to state that their blockade targets Saudi-linked vessels, AIS-on traffic has fallen from around 50 daily transits to approximately 20 since the incident. JMIC continues to assess further attacks as a strong possibility.

Gulf of Oman

The Gulf of Oman remains at SUBSTANTIAL threat level.

As of 25 July, CENTCOM reports 17 vessels redirected, two disabled and two boarded. Vessels operating in the area are advised to maintain continuous VHF Channel 16 monitoring and keep a 30 NM stand-off from US naval units.

Arabian Gulf

The MODERATE threat level remains unchanged.

Commercial traffic continues without major disruption, although GNSS interference and increased military activity continue to require close operational awareness.

YOUR VESSELS, OUR PORTS 

Together with Kanoo Shipping, MasOceans we support vessel operations across the Middle East, India and South Africa, providing local coordination and up-to-date operational information as the situation evolves.

Abu Dhabi, Ad Dammam, Al Fujayrah, Al Hufuf, Al Jahrah, Al Jubail, Al Muharraq, Ash Shuwaykh, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Jizan, Khawr Fakkan, Kuwait, Mina Abdulla, Mina Al Ahmadi, Mina Al Zour, Mina Salman, Mina Su’ud, Muscat, Qasr, Qasr as Sabiyah, Rabigh, Ra’s al Khafji, Sharjah, Sitrah, Sohar and Yanbu, as well as India and South Africa.

For the latest regional operational information or assistance with your vessel calls, please contact our Commercial Director, Martaxelle Erussard

📞 +41 (0) 79 658 1504 / +41 (0) 22 552 0051
📥 martaxelle@masoceans.com