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Multiple vessels, including Iranian and British-flagged ships, have been tracked in close proximity near Kooh Mobarak off Iran's southern coast, according to maritime tracking data reviewed by bne IntelliNews on January 25.
Kooh Mobarak lies along Iran's coastline near the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of global oil consumption passes. The waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and remains a critical chokepoint for international energy shipments.
The ships tracked over the past few days have all stayed within the narrow stretch of water, suggesting an ongoing patrol of the area.
Automatic Identification System data showed at least six vessels operating in the area, including the Iranian-flagged vessels Toofio, Mahdi Javed, Mahdi Boya and Abobakr 83, alongside British-flagged Armin 1 88 and the unspecified Armin 2 99. All vessels were recorded as Class B navigational status.
The Iranian-flagged Abobakr 83 was travelling towards Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates with an estimated arrival on January 23, whilst operating at 0.4 knots. The British-flagged Armin 1 88 was recorded at 0.3 knots in the same vicinity; however, the registration may be incorrect.
Tracking data indicated the vessels were operating in relatively close quarters, with speeds ranging from stationary to 2.5 knots. The Iranian-flagged Mahdi Javed showed navigational activity recorded five hours prior to the observation, whilst Mahdi Boya's position was updated 42 minutes before tracking.
Several dozen ships and Iranian vessels are also further out in the Arabian Sea and in the Persian Gulf. Officially, some of them are classed as fishing trawlers, others are not designated but are understood to be close to the US fleet.
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, a nuclear power aircraft carrier accompanied by an escort destroyer and F-35 combat aircraft, is making its way towards the Persian Gulf after transiting from the Strait of Malacca. Its location, however, is currently unknown and is believed to be close to the Iranian vessels in the Arabian Sea. It is not known if it has yet reached the coast of Oman, where it is projected to reach by the ned o January 23.
This potential buildup was reported by several global media and intelligence analysts. The USS George HW Bush has departed Norfolk, potentially moving towards the Middle East, though it will take several weeks to reach.
Earlier, BNE IntelliNews reported that Trump had demanded “decisive” scenarios, despite refusing to strike immediately last week. Washington has a massive regional presence, including Al-Udeid in Qatar, which hosts US Central Command and Fifth Fleet headquarters, Al-Dhafra air base in the UAE, which hosts advanced fighter jets and facilities across Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Turkey.
Tehran has warned that if the US conducts strikes, then its bases across the Middle East in countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq and Jordan will be considered for retaliatory strikes.
Separately, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in December had seized a tanker in the Persian Gulf carrying millions of litres of smuggled oil through the strategically important waterway. In late 2025, Iran conducted several large naval exercises in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, involving high-speed craft and anti-ship missile drills to display its military capabilities.
US President Donald Trump confirmed American naval forces are heading towards the Middle East while closely monitoring Iran.
Speaking aboard Air Force One returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said the deployment was precautionary.
"We have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case. I'd rather not see anything happen, but we're watching them very closely. We have an armada heading in that direction, and maybe we won't have to use it," he said.
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