The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said in an advisory note on Wednesday that it was aware of increased tensions in the Middle East, which could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners.

UKMTO advised vessels to use caution when passing through the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz.

"UKMTO has been made aware of increased tensions within the region, which could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners," the statement read. 

Four Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) vessels, some of several to maneuver in what the U.S. Navy says are ''unsafe and unprofessional actions against U.S. Military ships by crossing the ships’ bows and sterns at close range'' is seen next to the guided-missile destroyer USS Paul (credit: US NAVY/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)
Four Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) vessels, some of several to maneuver in what the U.S. Navy says are ''unsafe and unprofessional actions against U.S. Military ships by crossing the ships’ bows and sterns at close range'' is seen next to the guided-missile destroyer USS Paul (credit: US NAVY/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)

Incidents of GPS interference in the Persian Gulf

Earlier in 2025, the UKMTO reported several incidents of GPS interference in the areas it listed in the advisory. 

The US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration issued an advisory for commercially flagged ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, warning them of illegal boarding and seizure by Iranian forces. 

The UKMTO advisory notice comes after US President Donald Trump said that he was "less confident" that the US would be able to secure a nuclear deal with Iran. The Islamic Republic partially governs the Straits of Hormuz, which is the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.