The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has updated its security instructions for Norwegian-flagged vessels following recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.

The NMA advised vessels on July 31 to minimize transit in Iranian territorial waters after previously recommending them to “keep well clear of Iranian territorial waters.”

According to Royal Norwegian Naval Academy pundits, a major contribution to an international coalition in the Persian Gulf risks undermining Norway's security and even weakening its self-rule in the North.

Tensions the the Persian Gulf, which is a major hub for international oil trade, have been increasing after a total of six ships were sabotaged. The US and the UK accused Iran of masterminding the attacks, which Tehran firmly rejects.

In a separate development, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that they had downed a US spy drone in June, while Washington claimed that the unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down over international waters. Later, Tehran became embroiled in a tit-for-tat tanker war with the UK, a staunch US-ally, following the detention of an Iranian tanker by Royal Marines near the Strait of Gibraltar on 4 July.

Vira Maritime