Event·Military·High severity

Maritime threat level held at SEVERE for the Strait of Hormuz; JMIC expands southern route to two-way traffic (12 July)

12 JUL 2026 · 0900Z

In an advisory on 12 July, the Combined Maritime Forces' Joint Maritime Information Center said the security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remains SEVERE, while the southern (Omani-coast) transit route has been expanded to allow two-way vessel traffic. Despite Iran's 12 July claim that the waterway is closed, UKMTO and US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) say the southern route remains available and that the strait is an international waterway; mariners are advised to remain alert, follow safety procedures and coordinate with maritime authorities. The threat assessment follows the