Electronic interference with commercial ship navigation has intensified across the Strait of Hormuz and broader Gulf region in recent days, raising fresh concerns for maritime safety in one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.

According to a recent advisory issued by the Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) of the US-led Combined Maritime Forces, the disruption is primarily emanating from around Iran’s Port of Bandar Abbas. The interference is impacting the ability of vessels to accurately transmit location data via their Automated Identification Systems (AIS), creating serious operational and navigational risks for ships traversing the area.

“These interferences, which continue to intensify throughout the region, are having significant impact within the Gulf itself,” JMIC noted.

Iran has previously threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz — a strategic chokepoint for global oil transit — in response to Western sanctions. While no formal closure has been declared, the growing interference is heightening fears over regional instability and its potential effect on global trade and oil markets.