Electronic interference within the waters of the Mideast Gulf and the strait of Hormuz are at elevated levels, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said today.
The UKMTO "has received multiple reports… that there is increasing electronic interference within the waters of the Gulf," it said. Monitoring of automatic identification systems (AIS) by the UKMTO has confirmed the finding, it said.
The warning comes during a new escalatory cycle between Israel and Iran that was triggered by a series of air and missile strikes by Israel on several key Iranian military and nuclear sites on 13 June.
Iran responded with ballistic missile and drone strikes on military targets in Israel, including the Kirya complex in Tel Aviv, which houses the defence ministry headquarters.
The two sides have been exchanging missile fire with increasing intensity ever since, with critical energy infrastructure being hit.
The UKMTO said electronic interference across the wider region has been rising in this period, which is "having a significant impact on vessels' positional reporting" through automated systems.
It advised vessels transiting through Mideast Gulf and nearby waters to do so "with caution" and continue to report incidences of electronic interference.
