Tensions in the Gulf: Navigational Warnings Amid Iranian Naval Exercise

Vessels in the northern Gulf have been challenged via VHF radio, possibly due to an Iranian military exercise. The UKMTO has advised seafarers to expect such interactions during the IRGC's Great Prophet 19 exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, which aim to promote peace and friendship.

Maritime operations in the northern Gulf have taken a tense turn, as vessels encountered unexpected VHF radio challenges possibly linked to an ongoing Iranian military exercise.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has cautioned seafarers navigating near Iranian waters to anticipate such communications during the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) maneuvers. The exercises, labeled Great Prophet 19, involve naval operations in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by the semi-official Fars news agency.

Admiral Alireza Tangsiri of the IRGC Navy emphasized the exercises convey a message of peace and friendship to neighboring countries. Meanwhile, a previous incident involving a ship near Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, shed light on potential alignments with the Great Prophet 19 activities, though further details remain sparse according to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Joint Maritime Information Center.

(With inputs from agencies.)