Maritime Security Update | Middle East Region

30 August, 2026 – As reported in JMIC Advisory Note, Update 091, the regional threat level remains severe.

Strait of Hormuz | Severe

IRGC harassment continues, including UAV overflights, surveillance and VHF hailing. Mine risk persists near the TSS, while traffic remains far below baseline, with some days seeing only single-digit transits.

U.S. blockade enforcement of Iranian ports is ongoing, with visit-and-search checks in effect.

Five vessels still held off Somalia / Yemen

MT HONOUR 25, MV SWARD, MT EUREKA, MT ASANA and MT SEAMULL remain hijacked. MV LUTUF was released on 29 August after 12 days.

Bab el-Mandeb & Gulf of Aden | Substantial

Houthi messaging and tempo remain elevated following the 20 July blockade declaration.

Bab el-Mandeb traffic is running above the 2023 baseline, with 81 transits compared with an average of approximately 61 per day, while PAG/skiff risk persists in the Gulf of Aden.

Operators transiting these corridors should maintain heightened vigilance, AIS-on discipline where instructed, and close coordination with their agent on the ground.

YOUR VESSELS, OUR PORTS 

With Kanoo Shipping, our exclusive local partner across the region, MasOceans is ready to support your vessel operations.

If your vessels are trading in the Middle East, India, Sri Lanka or South Africa, please contact our Commercial Director:

Martaxelle Erussard

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