Rising Maritime Risk in the Gulf of Oman: Strategic Tensions and Commercial Exposure February 13, 2026 The following analysis reflects the independent assessments of SeaNews. It is based on open-source information (OSINT) and publicly available reporting. It does not constitute official operational guidance, navigational advice, or governmental directive. The security environment in the Gulf of Oman has deteriorated in recent weeks, raising concern among shipping operators, insurers, and energy markets. While commercial navigation continues and no formal maritime blockade has been declared, the regional risk profile has shifted from stable tension to a moderate–high risk environment , primarily driven by military posturing and geopolitical escalation between the United States and Iran . This assessment examines the drivers of risk, the operational implications for commercial vessels, and the likely trajectory over the coming weeks. The Gulf of Oman functions as the ma...
Date: January 28, 2026 Subject: Analysis of UAV Tracks and Navigation Risk Assessment 1. Aerial Track Analysis (Based on ADS-B Data) The provided imagery from ADS-B Exchange confirms a high-intensity "Shadow Boxing" scenario between U.S. and Iranian assets in the proximity of the Strait of Hormuz . Green Track (Iran): Identified as an Iranian UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) , likely a Shahed-129 or Mohajer-6 . The flight pattern shows a littoral surveillance mission originating from the Hormozgan province. This aligns with the active NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) issued by Tehran for live-fire drills scheduled between Jan 27–29, 2026. Blue/Pink Tracks (USA/Coalition): These represent high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) assets, likely an RQ-4 Global Hawk or MQ-4C Triton , operating from regional bases (e.g., Al Dhafra, UAE). Their orbit is positioned to provide persistent ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) over the chokepoint to monitor Iranian coastal mi...