Priority Broadcast Alert – Indian Ocean Region

UPDATE01: Thermal satellite imagery showed two fires originating from separate areas of impact in Bandar Abbas, Iran. One area of impact was observed within the port of Bandar Abbas, while the second was located at Haqani Marina. United States Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that it had conducted strikes targeting 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) small boats in response to the attacks on three merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz on 7 July. Iranian forces subsequently launched retaliatory strikes against United States military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. At the time of writing, all reported projectiles had been intercepted.

The United States conducted an airstrike on the Shahid Haqqani Port, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Ambrey observed imagery that showed a large fire and multiple columns of smoke emerging from the port facilities. United States Central Command confirmed the strikes, stating they were in retaliation for a series of attacks on merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz on 7 July. The strikes were reported to have targeted Iranian coastal surveillance systems, anti-ship missile sites, unmanned aerial vehicle launch sites and port facilities. Simultaneously, an air strike was conducted on the port of Bandar-e Tahooneh, Iran, with explosions reported in Qeshm Island and Sirik, Iran. No damage to merchant vessels was reported. Ambrey assessed it likely that Iranian forces may conduct retaliatory strikes on United States bases in the Arabian/Persian Gulf.

ADVICE: Merchant vessels calling at ports in Iran are advised to designate a Safe Muster Point (SMP), seek shelter when air raid sirens sound, and adhere to port authority instructions. The SMP should be located above the waterline, amidships, and low in the superstructure. Vessels should reduce crew deck movements to an operational minimum.