Several dozen commercial ships have moved away from Iran’s ports and are now anchored outside official port limits, according to recent shipping data and maritime industry sources, as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to rise.

Maritime sources said the move was a safety measure. Staying outside port limits reduces the risk of damage if air strikes were to hit nearby port facilities, which are considered more exposed during times of military tension.

The decision was also influenced by ongoing protests inside Iran, which have added to security concerns.

The situation has developed alongside reports that the United States is pulling some personnel out of its military bases in the Middle East.

This followed comments from a senior Iranian official who said Iran had warned neighbouring countries that American bases would be targeted if the US launched strikes on Iranian territory.

Iran relies heavily on shipping for trade, using bulk carriers, general cargo ships and container vessels to bring in goods, while oil tankers are used to export crude oil.

Recent vessel movements show that ships are choosing to wait further offshore rather than approach ports.

Data analysed by maritime intelligence company Pole Star Global showed a sharp rise in tanker traffic within Iran’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Between January 6 and January 12, the number of tankers entering the zone increased from 1 to 36.

Iran’s EEZ stretches up to 24 nautical miles from its coastline and lies beyond the country’s 12-nautical-mile territorial waters.

Per ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic, at least 25 bulk carriers were stationary within the EEZ off the port of Bandar Imam Khomeini.

Additionally, another 25 vessels, including container ships and general cargo vessels, were anchored further south near the port of Bandar Abbas.

Bandar Abbas has experienced security incidents in the past. In June 2025, Israel carried out air strikes on targets in the port city.

Earlier, in April, explosions in the area killed at least 70 people, and Iranian authorities said at the time that sabotage could not be ruled out.

Reference: Reuters