In a move that is definitely not an attempt to escalate tensions between the US and Iran, the US Maritime Administration has issued a new advisory warning US-flagged ships to steer clear of Iranian waters.
Because, you know, nothing says "diplomacy" like telling your enemies to stay far away from each other's stuff. It's like they're saying, "Hey, let's not get too cozy over here! We don't want any accidental entanglements... with our ships or our feelings."
But seriously, who needs a little friendly chat when you can just issue some stern guidelines instead? After all, it's not like Iranian forces have a history of boarding US vessels and making everyone involved very uncomfortable. Nope, not at all.
In fact, the advisory goes so far as to tell captains of US ships to "not forcibly resist" if Iranian forces board their vessel. Because who needs self-defense when you can just... what, exactly? Wave politely and invite them in for a nice cup of tea?
Meanwhile, back in reality, the Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping lane that connects the Gulf to the Indian Ocean, making it a major chokepoint for global oil supplies. And because nothing says "diplomacy" like talking about oil, the US government has been negotiating with Iran over its nuclear program.
But don't worry, it's all just business as usual in the world of international relations. I mean, who needs actual diplomacy when you can just issue some stern guidelines and hope for the best?