The US has accused the Iranian navy of attempting to seize two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. Shots were fired at one of the ships, the US Navy reported on Wednesday. US forces have stopped the Iranian navy from hijacking the tankers.
Iran denied the incident, state radio reported, citing security circles.
On July 5, US forces prevented two attempted seizures of commercial tankers by the Iranian navy after the Iranians opened fire in one of the incidents near the coast of Oman. Both incidents took place in international waters. Learn more ⬇️ https://t.co/HJNTzKtsXv pic.twitter.com/rvzDcATCQq
– US Naval Forces Central Command / US 5th Fleet (@US5thFleet) July 5, 2023
According to US sources, an Iranian naval vessel first approached an oil tanker on Wednesday evening and did not depart until a US naval vessel arrived. About three hours later, another oil tanker alerted the US Navy: an Iranian naval vessel had approached the tanker and asked it to stop. The Iranians fired shots before the US destroyer arrived, and several rounds hit the ship’s hull. Both incidents took place in international waters.
In the past, there have been repeated incidents involving tankers in the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. In particular, the Strait of Hormuz, an approximately 55 kilometer wide strait between Iran and Oman, is one of the most important shipping routes for global oil exports. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards arrested an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz in early May. Iran has harassed nearly 20 international-flagged merchant ships since 2021, the US Navy said on Wednesday. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
