New Delhi, March 1 -- Maersk, the container shipping giant, said on Sunday that it was suspending sailings through the narrow Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf, next to Iran, citing "safety" reasons amid the US-Iran standoff.

The announcement came after Iran's Revolutionary Guards declared the strait closed, and maritime agencies reported attacks on vessels in the area, news agency AFP reported.

"We are suspending all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice," the Danish company said in an online advisory. "The safety of our crews, vessels and customers' cargo remains our key priority," it said.

Maersk further warned that services calling ports across the Arabian Gulf may be subject to delays, rerouting, or schedule adj...