According to the U.S. Navy, Iran attempted to seize two oil tankers and fired at one.
According to a military official from the United States, on Wednesday, a notable incident occurred in international waters near Oman, where the U.S. Navy successfully intervened to prevent Iranian warships from seizing two oil tankers.
This intervention was carried out in response to the Iranian vessels’ perceived threat to the tankers. The military official emphasized the role of the U.S. Navy in safeguarding maritime security and preventing unauthorized actions that could disrupt the flow of international trade.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions and the importance of maintaining a robust naval presence to ensure the freedom of navigation and protect vital global shipping routes.
Around 1 a.m. local time, a naval vessel from Iran approached the TRF Moss, a tanker flagged under the Marshall Islands, immediately after it passed through the Strait of Hormuz. As per the official, the Iranians seemed to be trying to board and take control of the tanker. However, when the U.S. Navy deployed the destroyer USS McFaul to the area, the Iranian vessel altered its course and departed.
A different naval vessel from Iran approached the Richmond Voyager approximately three hours later. This tanker had recently traversed the Strait of Hormuz after departing from the United Arab Emirates. Allegedly, the Iranian ship attempted to halt the tanker, prompting the Richmond Voyager to issue a distress call for assistance.
According to the official, during the incident, the Iranian ship fired rounds in the vicinity of the crew living area on one of the tankers, causing minor damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Following the arrival of the USS McFaul at the scene, the Iranian vessel promptly departed, as confirmed by the official.
Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, who serves as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces, expressed immense pride in the entire team under his command, particularly highlighting the remarkable dedication demonstrated by the crew of the USS McFaul.
He commended their swift response, which effectively prevented another potential seizure. Vice Adm. Cooper emphasized that their vigilance remains unwavering, reiterating their commitment to safeguarding navigational rights within these vital waters.
The mission of Iran to the United Nations did not provide an immediate response upon being requested for comment regarding the incident.
As stated by the official, the rounds fired during the confrontation struck near the crew’s living area, resulting in minor damage.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the crew members. The official further mentioned that upon the arrival of the USS McFaul at the scene, the Iranian ship promptly departed. The same official confirmed these details.
Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, who holds the esteemed position of commander for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces, expressed his profound pride in the comprehensive team under his command.
Explicitly acknowledging the exceptional dedication exhibited by the crew of the USS McFaul, he commended their swift and decisive response, which effectively thwarted another potential seizure incident.
Vice Admiral Cooper reiterated the unwavering vigilance of their forces. He emphasized their determined readiness to safeguard and uphold navigational rights within these critical waters, ensuring the protection of maritime interests and promoting a secure environment.
Upon being requested to provide a comment, the mission of Iran to the United Nations should have responded promptly, thus delaying their official statement on the matter. It remains to be seen when or if the Iranian mission regarding the incident will issue a response.
According to an official statement, the crew living area of the targeted vessels experienced minor damage due to rounds striking nearby, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. Following the incident, the USS McFaul promptly arrived at the scene, causing the Iranian ship to depart, as confirmed by the same official.
Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces, expressed immense pride in the entire team for their swift response in preventing another seizure, particularly acknowledging the exceptional effort of the McFaul crew.
He emphasized their commitment to remaining vigilant and prepared to safeguard navigational rights in the crucial waters where the incident occurred.
In response to these events, Iranian state media quoted an unnamed source who denied any involvement by Iran in the attempted seizure of the ships. As of now, Iran’s mission to the United Nations has not provided an immediate response to requests for comment.
