U.S. Navy Says Iran Attempted To Seize Two Oil Tankers Near Strait of Hormuz

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Iran attempted to seize two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz on July 5, according to the United States Navy.

A spokesman for the Bahrain-based 5th Fleet said that Iranian naval vessels backed off after the U.S. Navy responded, and both tankers continued their voyages.

“The Iranian navy did make attempts to seize commercial tankers lawfully transiting international waters,” said the spokesman, Tim Hawkins. “The U.S. Navy responded immediately and prevented those seizures.”

The spokesman added that the Iranian vessels opened fire at the second tanker, but did not cause casualties or major damage.

Ambrey, a maritime intelligence service, said the tanker that was fired upon was a Bahamas-flagged, Greek-owned, U.S. managed crude oil tanker transiting from the United Arab Emirates to Singapore. It said the incident happened 28 nautical miles northeast of Muscat, the capital of Oman.

The U.S. announced on May 12 that it will increase the rotation of ships and aircraft patrolling in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

The decision was a response to the seizure of two oil tankers by Iran on April 27 and May 3. The tankers were captured in response to the seizure of a China-bound Iranian oil shipment by the U.S. near southern Africa on April 22, according to a report by Reuters.

Iran is yet to comment on the new alleged incidents. Overall, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz will likely rise even more after the U.S. claims.

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