The United States Navy announced that it successfully prevented Iranian forces from seizing two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz. The incidents mark the latest in a series of similar encounters in one of the world’s most crucial energy passageways.
According to a news release from US Naval Forces Central Command, the USS McFaul, a guided missile destroyer, thwarted the attempted seizures off the coast of Oman. Iranian forces reportedly fired on one of the tankers during the encounter. Both incidents occurred in international waters.
The encounters took place amidst heightened tensions between the US and Iran, as the two countries struggle to revive the nuclear agreement that the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from in 2015. The US has long accused Iran of harassing and seizing commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
In recent months, Iran has increased such activities, including seizing two oil tankers within one week in April and May.
The first incident occurred at around 1 am local time on Wednesday when Iranian forces approached the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker TRF Moss. The Iranian vessel left when the USS McFaul arrived on the scene.
Approximately three hours later, the US Navy received a distress call from the Bahamian-flagged oil tanker Richmond Voyager, which had been instructed by an Iranian naval vessel to stop. Iranian forces fired on the Voyager with small arms and crew-served weapons, but no serious damage or loss of life occurred. The Iranian forces left the scene when the USS McFaul arrived.
The US Navy has increased its presence in the Strait of Hormuz since May, citing an uptick in Iranian attempts to seize commercial vessels. According to the US, Iran has “attacked or seized” nearly 20 such vessels since 2021.
US Vice Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized the commitment to protect navigational rights in the critical waters, stating, “We remain vigilant and ready to protect navigational rights in these critical waters.”
Iran, which faced heavy sanctions after the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal, has not commented on the incidents.
