US Navy: Iran Tried To Seize Two Oil Tankers Near Strait Of Hormuzand Fired Shots At One

It said that in both cases, Iranian naval vessels backed off after US Navy responded to distress signals & that both commercial ships continued their voyages.

Written by Shruti Chaturvedi July 5, 2023

Iran Tried To Seize Two Oil Tankers Near Strait Of Hormuzand Fired Shots At One

Early on Wednesday, Iran reportedly made an attempt to board two oil tankers close to the vital Strait of Hormuz and fired shots at one of them.

The US Navy responded to distress calls in both instances, the Iranian navy warships withdrew, and both commercial ships completed their journeys, according to the report.

According to Cmdr. Tim Hawkins, spokesman for the Fifth Fleet of the US Navy, “the Iranian navy did make attempts to seize commercial tankers legally transiting international waters.”

“The US Navy responded immediately and prevented those seizures.”

He said there were no injuries or significant damage as a result of the gunfire fired at the second vessel.

Iran is accused by the US Navy of seizing at least five commercial ships in the last two years and harassing a number of others. Numerous events have happened in and near the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf’s small entrance through which 20% of all crude oil passes.

Regarding the most recent events, there was no quick Iranian response.

Since the Trump administration unilaterally removed Iran from the 2015 nuclear agreement with international powers and re-imposed crushing sanctions, tensions between the two countries have been steadily rising.

In response, Iran has increased its nuclear activities, which it claims are entirely peaceful, and is also giving Russia armed drones for its conflict with Ukraine.

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