Iran Seizes Tanker in Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Official Says
TEHRAN, Iran – Iranian forces seized a tanker in teh Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, a U.S. official confirmed, the latest in a series of escalations raising tensions in the critical waterway. The vessel, reportedly carrying oil, was boarded by Iranian commandos, according to the official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Details regarding the shipS flag and crew remain limited.
The seizure occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional instability,fueled by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and a history of maritime incidents involving Iran. approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz,making it a chokepoint of global energy security. This action threatens to disrupt shipping lanes and potentially drive up oil prices, impacting economies worldwide. The U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, based in Bahrain, maintains a presence in the region to ensure freedom of navigation, and further responses are anticipated.
This incident is not isolated. The U.S. Navy has previously blamed Iran for a series of attacks on vessels, including limpet mine attacks on tankers in 2019 and a 2021 drone attack on an Israeli-linked oil tanker that killed two crew members. In May 2022, Iran seized two Greek tankers, holding them until November of that year.
These actions followed the U.S.’s unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal under president Donald Trump, a move that triggered increased tensions. More recently, attacks by iranian-backed houthi forces targeting ships in the Red Sea during the Israel-Hamas war have further disrupted maritime traffic.
Iran has long threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a move that would have severe consequences for global energy markets. The seizing of the tanker underscores the volatile security situation in the Persian Gulf and raises concerns about potential further disruptions to international shipping. The vessel’s owner stated, “Our foremost priority remains the safety of the crew and we are working to restore contact with the vessel.”
