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Türkiye raised the security level for Turkish-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to Level 3, the highest level, on Sunday, March 1, following reports that Iran's Revolutionary Guard banned ship passage through the critical waterway.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry also confirmed all diplomatic missions in the region are operating around the clock.
Security level 3 can be described as "the level for which further specific protective security measures shall be maintained for a limited period of time when a security incident is probable or imminent, although it may not be possible to identify the specific target."
Türkiye's General Directorate of Maritime Affairs announced the elevated security level after reports of radio broadcasts from Iran's Revolutionary Guard telling vessels that passage through the Strait of Hormuz is "not allowed."
"It is important to follow navigation announcements in the region and, if necessary, contact the Main Search and Rescue Coordination Center," the directorate said on X.
The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most vital oil transit chokepoint, with approximately 20 million barrels per day flowing through the narrow waterway.
A blockade would have severe consequences for global energy markets and Ankara's own energy imports.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Oncu Keceli, stated that developments in the region are being closely monitored regarding the safety of Turkish citizens abroad.
Embassies and consulates in the region are continuing their work without interruption, he noted.
"Security-related advisories are being regularly updated in coordination with local authorities," Keceli said on X.
"It is important that our citizens follow the announcements made by our embassies and consulates," he added.
"The emergency lines of our diplomatic missions are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact information for our embassies and consulates is available on their websites. The Ministry's Consular Call Center (+90 312 292 29 29) is also providing uninterrupted service to our citizens," Keceli concluded.
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