As tensions grew between Washington and Tehran due to Iran's nuclear program, the United States provided new guidance for commercial vessels that transited the Strait of Hormuz. This is a major?shipping route? for Middle East oil.

Iran has in the past threatened to shut down the Strait of Hormuz. A portion of the Strait is within its territorial water. It has also seized oil tankers and commercial ships moving through this area, alleging smuggling. According to the guidance, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s?Maritime Administration has advised U.S. flagged commercial vessels to remain as far away from Iran's territory waters as possible. They should also verbally refuse Iranian forces permission to board if they are asked.

According to the website, "It's recommended that U.S. flagged commercial vessels transiting this waters stay as far away as possible from Irans territorial sea" without compromising navigational security.

The crew was also told not to resist Iranian forces on board.

It said that if Iranian forces boarded a U.S. flagged commercial vessel, its crew shouldn't resist. Iran's top diplomatic official said that the nuclear talks between the U.S. and Oman, mediated by Oman, were off to a great start. They will continue.

Both sides have expressed a willingness to resume diplomacy in the long-running dispute between Tehran and the West over its nuclear program. Washington, however, has stated that it also wants to discuss Iran's ballistic missiles, the support of armed groups in the region, as well as human rights.

Donald Trump increased the pressure on Iran by issuing an executive order on Friday that imposes a 25% tariff for imports from countries who "directly or indirect" purchase goods from Iran. This was in response to a threat made last month. (Reporting and editing by Nick Zieminski, Richard Valdmanis)

(source: Reuters)