Invisible Warfare in the Strait of Hormuz: Hidden Electromagnetic Attacks

Warfare in the Strait of Hormuz extends beyond conventional weapons. Hidden electromagnetic waves are being used to conduct “invisible attacks” within the Strait of Hormuz.

These electromagnetic waves carry significant consequences. For instance, GPS disruptions can cause communication interference and potentially fatal accidents.

The disruptions affect ships within and around Hormuz, impacting vessel Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).

“We cannot underestimate the grave danger posed to maritime navigation and safety,” explained Michelle Wiese Bockmann, senior maritime intelligence analyst at maritime AI company Windward, according to BBC reporting on Friday, 13 March 2025.

AIS enables ships to avoid one another, including preventing collisions. Collision risks escalate during night-time or in poor visibility conditions.

This is particularly critical given that 300-metre tankers require extensive time to turn and stop, sometimes needing several kilometres to adjust their course.

The source of the electromagnetic disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz remains unclear. However, several military analysts suggest Iran is behind the interference.

Iran has previously threatened to attack any vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This statement came following recent military exchanges between Iran and Israel.

The GPS signal jamming or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) disruption equipment used by Iran likely originates domestically. Alternatively, it may have been obtained from Russia or China, according to Thomas Withington, research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute.