Yemen Monitor – Manama – Exclusive
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British maritime security agency, has issued an “unusual” warning to vessels operating in the Arabian Gulf, citing “increasing regional tensions” that could pose threats to ships in the area.
UKMTO reported heightened tensions in the region, which could potentially lead to an escalation in military activity, directly affecting mariners. Ships were advised to exercise caution when transiting the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz.
In a move that raised widespread concern, the Trump administration ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, as well as from its diplomatic facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait on Wednesday.
The warnings and evacuation orders come after Iran publicly threatened to strike U.S. bases in the Middle East if attacked. This follows the apparent collapse of what were once promising nuclear deal negotiations, which stalled over Iran’s insistence on maintaining its right to a civilian enrichment program. Iranian officials appear to be reacting to calls from U.S. hardliners to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program by force if necessary.
