Iran tried to seize oil tankers near Strait of Hormuz – US navy
QMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Iranian warships tried to seize two oil tankers passing through international waters near the Strait of Hormuz, the US Navy said on Wednesday, adding that it foiled both attempts.
US Navy Fifth Fleet spokesperson Timothy Hawkins said an Iranian navy vessel fired shots during its second seizure attempt.
However, the firing caused no casualties or major damage, He added.
“The Iranian navy did make attempts to seize commercial tankers lawfully transiting international waters,” Hawkins was quoted as saying. “The US Navy responded immediately and prevented those seizures.”
Hawkins did not elaborate on how the US Navy halted the seizure attempts.
Iran has not commented on the incident yet.
How common is the Iranian seizure attempt?
The US accuses Iran of seizing at least five commercial vessels in the last two years, as well as harassing several others, according to DW.
Many of the seizure and harassment incidents have taken place in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow but strategic passageway of the Persian/Arabian Gulf lies between Iran and Oman. It is a transit point to some 20% of all crude oil.