Dozens of commercial vessels have anchored outside Iran's port limits in recent days as tensions with the United States rise, reported Reuters.

Shipping sources said the precautionary move comes amid protests in Iran and warnings from Tehran that it would strike US bases if attacked. The US is withdrawing some personnel from Middle East bases, a US official confirmed.

Iran relies heavily on seaborne trade for imports and oil exports. Data from Pole Star Global showed the number of tankers in Iran's exclusive economic zone jumped from one to 36 between 6 and 12 January. MarineTraffic reported at least 25 bulk carriers off Bandar Imam Khomeini and another 25 ships near Bandar Abbas.

Israel carried out air strikes in Bandar Abbas in June 2025, following unexplained blasts in April that killed at least 70 people. Authorities did not rule out sabotage.

Iran's leadership is trying to quell its worst unrest in years while deterring US President Donald Trump's threats to intervene. The US Navy's Combined Maritime Force said interference with GPS and other navigation systems had risen to "substantial" in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, likely due to force protection measures. It warned vessels transiting the area could be affected.