If Iranian forces board a US-flagged commercial vessel, the crew should not forcibly resist the boarding party. Refraining from forcible resistance does not imply consent or agreement to that boarding, the guidelines read. It is recommended that US-flagged commercial vessels transiting these waters remain as far as possible from Iran's territorial sea without compromising navigational safety. When transiting eastbound in the Strait of Hormuz, it is recommended that vessels transit close to Oman's territorial sea.
Some personnel have been advised to leave the United States military's Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening, the Reuters news agency reported, quoting three diplomats. The report comes amid warnings from the US that it could intervene in protests currently taking place in Iran. It's a posture change and not an ordered evacuation, one diplomat said, adding that they were not aware that a specific reason had been given for the posture change.