The Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for the global oil trade, has been the scene of a massive GPS jamming campaign that began on June 22, 2025, and has already affected more than 27 vessels. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), ship automatic identification systems (AIS) are picking up garbled coordinates, showing vessels in Iranian ports, the deserts of Oman and even near Dubai, causing chaos for shipping. Among the affected vessels are XNUMX very large container ships (VLCCs) carrying crude oil, threatening the stability of energy supplies.

Experts attribute the jamming to Iran, which is stepping up its defenses amid an escalating conflict with the United States and Israel. The campaign began after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan on Sunday night. According to Reuters, Iranian forces are likely using ground-based jamming stations along the Persian Gulf coast to distort GPS and AIS signals, forcing ships to rely on alternative navigation systems. Analysts say Iran has used similar tactics in the past to protect its waters from surveillance and attack.

The affected vessels include large tankers such as VLCCs, which carry millions of barrels of oil from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to Asia and Europe. According to maritime security company Windward, some of the vessels were given false coordinates indicating their presence in desert areas of Oman, while others were “relocated” to Iranian ports such as Bandar Abbas. This creates a risk of collisions and makes it difficult to coordinate rescue operations. Omani maritime authorities said they had already recorded three incidents involving disorientation of crews.

The conflict, which began in June 2025 with Israeli attacks on Iranian infrastructure, escalated after the US intervened, striking nuclear facilities. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israeli cities and threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, Tehran sees GPS jamming as part of a strategy to protect its interests, including preventing reconnaissance by US drones such as the RQ-4 Global Hawk, which are widely used in the region.

In response to the situation, the Pentagon has increased the US Navy's presence in the Persian Gulf, sending a destroyer to escort merchant ships. According to US media, the US has also deployed satellite systems to compensate for the jamming, but the effectiveness of these measures is limited. In the UAE, ports such as Jebel Ali have temporarily suspended shipping while waiting for the situation to stabilize. Analysts warn that continued jamming could lead to accidents, especially in the densely trafficked strait.

Iran continues to prepare for possible retaliatory actions. According to local sources, additional air defense forces are being deployed in coastal areas, including Qeshm Island, to protect against air attacks. Satellite images from Planet Labs have shown the construction of new fortifications along the coast, indicating Tehran’s long-term plans to strengthen its control over the area.

Analysts say the GPS jamming campaign demonstrates Iran's technological sophistication despite sanctions and its ability to influence global trade. It could prompt increased military pressure from the United States, including operations against Iranian jamming stations.