Iran

T: +98 (21) 8880 9329. M: +98 (912) 313 7087. F: +98 (21) 8889 6377. HB-10@ir_pmo.com

Mariners are requested to contact the above whenever their ships encounter any security problems.

Vessels in the vicinity may encounter explosions, missile launch activity, and unidentified aerial objects. Consequently, there is a risk of being affected by falling debris resulting from missile or drone interceptions, as well as the possibility that munitions may fail to detonate, resulting in unexploded ordnance (UXO) on board. Masters are advised to follow the post-incident and unexploded ordnance procedures outlined in BMP Maritime Security (BMP-MS) available at www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org/geography/global/

A significant clustering of merchant vessels remains anchored, loitering, or berthed in ports within the Arabian Gulf and in several western ports of the Gulf of Oman. Enhanced caution and vigilance are advised when transiting or loitering in these areas.

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) 1 reports Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and electronic interference, including AIS and VHF disruption, which may be intermittent and unpredictable, and may materially affect navigational safety and vessel identification. Vessels are advised to verify their position, using radar and visual means where possible, and to be prepared to rely on dead-reckoning navigation if necessary.

Due to the current high threat level, transit through the Strait of Hormuz remains NOT recommended.

Claims regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continue to circulate via VHF and open sources; however, no legally recognised closure has been promulgated through NAVAREA warnings or IMO-recognised Maritime Safety Information channels. Such VHF broadcasts are not legally binding under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, an unofficial corridor has been observed to be established between Qeshm and Larak islands, where a number of vessels have been noted transiting daily.

It is reported that ships have exited the strait via a ``safe'' corridor that routes ships through Iranian territorial waters via Iran’s Larak Island, which is used by the IRGC Navy and port authority to assess visual confirmation of the vessels.

Furthermore, an Iranian parliamentary national security committee is reported (30 March 2026) to have approved a new management plan aimed at tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz. The approved plan includes provisions to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the strait. The plan also explicitly bans vessels from the United States and Israel from transiting the strait. In addition, ships from countries participating in economic sanctions against Iran would face restricted access.

Joint Maritime Information Center advisories can be found at www.ukmto.org/partner-products/jmic-products

Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean advisories can be found at mscio.eu/advisories/

US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration advisories can be found at www.maritime.dot.gov/msci-advisories

The area is the largest recipient of ship's ballast water. Annually, more than 50,000 vessels visit this area and discharge a large amount of ballast water. The RSA is a semi-enclosed water body with intensely hot summers and short cool winters, extensive air and water temperature fluctuation and relatively high salinity. It is also characterised by high turbidity and low exchange of water with open waters. Therefore, there is also a need to manage and control the spread of harmful aquatic species in ship's ballast water by implementing a set of measures such as ballast water exchange outside the RSA.

With effect from 1 November 2009, all ships, regardless of flag, will be required to exchange and treat all ballast water taken up outside the RSA for the protection of the marine environment. This comprises the states of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Taking into consideration the provisions of the Regulation B-4 of the Ballast Water Management Convention , the following points should be observed:

Ballast water that has been treated with a ballast water treatment system approved in accordance with IMO standards does not need to be exchanged.

Ships will be required to have on board an approved Ballast Water Management Plan in accordance with the IMO standards. Ships should also have and maintain a Ballast Water Record Book. From the date specified above, all the ships passing Strait of Hormuz will be required to complete the Regional Ballast Water Reporting Form (RBWRF). The ships will be inspected by the Port State Control Officers to ensure these regional requirements are fully implemented.

For further assistance contact the local Agent or respected Port Authority or MEMAC as the Regional Centre at [email protected] at the earliest opportunity.

Seek medical advice before travelling to Iran and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.

Importing, buying, selling and drinking of any kind of alcoholic drink is forbidden in Iran.

Some of the private and government offices are closed Thursday and Friday (weekend), but most are closed only on Friday. All ports and terminals are open 7 days a week including most holidays. Port operations are closed on Ashoura and on the first day of New year.

The words ``Persian Gulf'' should follow the name of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf in all messages, example: ``Kharg Island Persian Gulf''.

In a circular dated 15 January 2005, the Ministry (previously known as Ministry of Roads and Transportation) states that the term ``Persian Gulf'' is internationally approved in accordance with the United Nations, and therefore should be used for all cargo and vessel documentation.

In cases where ``Arabian Gulf'' is used instead of ``Persian Gulf'', the respective Iranian ports will avoid providing port and marine services to the offending vessels and their agents.

VAT does not apply to free trade zones, and certain goods like unprocessed agricultural products, livestock, and medicine are exempt.