The U.S. Maritime Administration warned of increasing risks to vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, citing Iranian attempts to force commercial ships into its territorial waters.

It urged U.S.-flagged vessels to refuse such orders unless their safety is at risk, and to avoid approaching Iranian waters.

In a related development, the Pentagon announced the detention of an oil tanker in the Indian Ocean, alleging violations of sanctions linked to Venezuela’s oil sector.