Ships in the Strait of Hormuz were hit by explosives after the US-Israeli attack on Iran

The Strait of Hormuz region became historic on Sunday after the US-Israeli attack on Iran under Operation Epic Fury triggered electronic warfare and numerous “attacks” on ships along one of the world’s most important waterways, according to reports.

The sudden increase followed a February 28 warning from US maritime authorities urging commercial ships to avoid strategic waterways if possible, including the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, citing high security risks.

“It is recommended that ships stay away from this area if possible,” the advisory warned.

“The Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding waters are now a very dangerous place for commercial shipping,” Jakob P. Larsen, head of maritime security at BIMCO, told Fox News Digital.

“The ships in the Persian Gulf are at risk of attack by Iran,” Larsen said.

“To protect themselves, most ships stay as far away from Iran as possible,” he added before explaining how ships “try to leave the Persian Gulf to escape the threat.”

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and regional authorities reported a number of maritime incidents labeled “attacks” on Sunday.

One ship west of Sharjah, UAE, was rocked by an unidentified projectile that exploded nearby, while another tanker north of Muscat, Oman, was hit above the waterway, sparking a fire that was later brought under control, according to the data.

A third ship northwest of Mina Saqr, UAE, was also hit by a projectile that caught fire, the agency reported.

Adding to the physical threats is the rise of electronic warfare with maritime intelligence firm Windward reporting widespread GPS and Automatic Identification System (AIS) jamming, affecting 1,000-plus ships.

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Map showing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran. (Reuters)

Windward cited widespread navigational disruptions near Iran’s Bandar Abbas port, with ships making false appearances at airports, a nuclear power plant and inland waterways.

Several new clusters of AIS have also been identified across Emirati, Qatari, Omani and Iranian waters, Windward said.

Shipping giant Maersk has announced it will reroute some services away from the region, citing the safety of personnel and cargo.

About 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments pass through the Strait, and traffic has already slowed, with some tankers derailing or turning off AIS signals.

Industry groups also warned of Houthi retaliation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, while analysts warned that Iran could seize ships bound for US or Israeli interests.

“The Houthis have threatened to attack ships in the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden again,” explained Larsen.

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The Strait of Hormuz is facing heightened security risks after US-Israeli strikes have caused maritime incidents, prompting shipping companies to divert ships.

Ships linked to businesses in US or Israeli interests are considered likely targets, although some could be hit intentionally or accidentally, he said.

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Tanker owners association Intertanko also warned members that “the expectation is that the Houthis may respond and resume attacks on vessels,” although intelligence remains unclear.

“There are no signs of Iranian attempts to close the Strait with sea mines or sea mines, although this could change soon,” Larsen added before confirming that GPS interference “has increased significantly following the start of hostilities.”

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