With the US and Israel attacking Iran on Saturday, Iranian allies, the Houthis from Yemen, have vowed to resume attacks on commercial shipping in and around the Red Sea, bringing to a close a four-month cessation of violence at sea. 

Shipping organisation BIMCO suggested ships with business connections to US or Israeli interests are more likely to be targeted, but other ships may also be targeted deliberately or in error.

BIMCO advised that ships already in the area should seek refuge in territorial waters of neutral states in the area such as United Arab Emirates or Qatar, and some ships may also want to try to leave the area entirely.

BIMCO said it expects insurance rates to increase manyfold. 

The US has established a maritime warning zone in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz to protect against inadvertent targeting of neutral shipping. Commercial shipping is advised to navigate with caution and avoid navigation within this zone, if possible.