The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) reported on local time July 28 that no newly identified attacks on vessels within the Strait of Hormuz occurred in the past 48 hours. The multinational maritime surveillance organization, led by US Central Command, stated that traffic volume and operator confidence improved slightly following the cessation of large-scale mutual airstrikes. The assessment comes amid ongoing maritime security concerns involving Iranian military activities and Houthi threats affecting key Middle Eastern shipping chokepoints.
Operators Maintain Cautious Approach with AIS Deactivation Patterns
JMIC noted in its report that transit patterns demonstrated continued caution among operators following earlier attacks, with multiple companies delaying or rescheduling transits. According to the assessment, a significant number of vessels transited with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) turned off, resulting in lower visually confirmed vessel density and more complex situational awareness. The organization stated that this behavior reflected operators' ongoing careful approach to navigating the strategic waterway despite the recent absence of new attacks.
Iranian IRGC Continues Harassment Activities in Shipping Lanes
JMIC reported that harassment by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continued, including radio calls, unmanned aerial system (UAS) overflights, and targeted surveillance of commercial vessels. The assessment stated that these actions continued to demonstrate Iran's intent to assert presence in major transit routes and maintain pressure on vessels with AIS activated. According to JMIC, IRGC naval activities focused on route control in the strait.
Houthi Spokesperson Clarifies Bab el-Mandeb Blockade Scope
Regarding the southern Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, JMIC analyzed that threats from Yemeni Houthi rebels continued. According to multiple open-source reports cited by JMIC, Houthi chief negotiator and spokesperson Muhammad Abdulsalam clarified on July 24 that the Bab el-Mandeb Strait itself was not closed and that the declared maritime blockade targeted only Saudi interests. Open-source data tracking vessels transiting Bab el-Mandeb with AIS activated showed that average daily transits decreased from approximately 50 vessels to 20 vessels after July 24. JMIC stated that coalition naval forces remained deployed in the area.
FAQ
What did JMIC report about attacks in the Strait of Hormuz on July 28?
JMIC reported on local time July 28 that no newly identified attacks on vessels within the Strait of Hormuz were reported in the past 48 hours. The organization noted that traffic volume and operator confidence improved slightly following the cessation of large-scale mutual airstrikes.
How did vessel operators respond to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz?
According to JMIC's assessment, transit patterns showed continued caution among operators, with multiple companies delaying or rescheduling transits. A significant number of vessels transited with their AIS turned off, resulting in lower visually confirmed vessel density and more complex situational awareness.
What activities did the Iranian IRGC conduct in the shipping lanes?
JMIC reported that Iranian IRGC harassment continued, including radio calls, unmanned aerial system overflights, and targeted surveillance of commercial vessels. The assessment stated these actions demonstrated Iran's intent to assert presence in major transit routes and maintain pressure on vessels with AIS activated, with IRGC naval activities focusing on route control.
