US urges commercial ships to avoid Gulf after US, Israel attack Iran

WASHINGTON: The US Transportation Department urged commercial vessels Saturday to stay away from the Gulf after the US and Israel launched heavy bombing attacks on Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea are subject to "significant military activity" and "it is recommended that vessels keep clear of this area if possible," the department's Maritime Administration said in a statement.

US-flagged, owned or crewed ships should also stay 30 nautical miles from any US military vessel to avoid being mistaken as a threat, it said.  — AFP