JMIC Advises Ships to Use Southern Hormuz Route Amid Iranian Opposition

The Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC), operated by a 47-nation naval coalition, issued an advisory on the 10th (local time) recommending that commercial vessels use the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz despite Iranian opposition. The advisory follows recent unprovoked attacks on merchant ships by Iran, which claims authority over the strait and demands coordination with Iranian authorities for passage. JMIC, led by the US Central Command, serves as an information-sharing and coordination hub between Western navies and the civilian shipping industry.

JMIC Issues Advisory on Southern Hormuz Route Usage

According to US broadcaster CBS, JMIC stated in its advisory on the 10th (local time): "Despite recent unprovoked attacks on merchant vessels, crews should be reminded that the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz has been expanded and remains available for all vessel traffic." The advisory recommends advance coordination with the joint navy but clarifies this is not mandatory. JMIC specified that "vessels can transit the southern route without coordination," while noting that routes excluding the southern passage "are not protected" — an indication to avoid the northern route on the Iranian side.

Iran Claims Strait Authority and Attacks Three Vessels

Contrary to JMIC's advisory, Iran maintains that it holds authority over the Strait of Hormuz and requires vessels passing through to coordinate with Iranian authorities. Iran attacked three vessels transiting the southern route through the strait. The Iranian position directly conflicts with the 47-nation coalition's recommendation for commercial shipping to use the expanded southern passage.

JMIC Raises Maritime Threat Level to Severe

JMIC escalated the maritime threat level for the Strait of Hormuz from "Substantial" to "Severe" on the 7th. This升级 preceded the advisory issued on the 10th (local time) recommending continued use of the southern route despite the heightened threat environment.

FAQ

What did JMIC advise commercial vessels to do on the 10th?

JMIC advised commercial vessels to use the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz despite recent unprovoked attacks. The advisory stated the southern route has been expanded and remains available for all vessel traffic, with coordination with the joint navy recommended but not mandatory.

Why did JMIC raise the threat level for the Strait of Hormuz?

JMIC raised the maritime threat level from "Substantial" to "Severe" on the 7th, prior to issuing the advisory on the 10th. The escalation followed Iranian attacks on three vessels using the southern route and Iran's claims of authority over the strait requiring coordination with Iranian authorities for passage.