US Navy Foils Iranian Attempt to Hijack Two Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz
The US Navy has slam-dunked Iranian forces trying to snatch two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for global energy. The USS McFaul, a guided missile destroyer, stepped in to stop Iranian vessels off Oman’s coast, with shots even fired at one tanker.
Shots Fired as Tensions Surge
On July 5, the US Navy revealed Iranian forces fired on a tanker during their bid to capture it in international waters near Oman. Both tankers were saved thanks to swift US intervention.
A Navy statement said: “US forces prevented two attempted commercial tanker seizures by the Iranian Navy after the Iranians had opened fire in one of the incidents near the coast of Oman. Both incidents happened in international waters.”
Tense Standoff Amid Nuclear Deal Wrangling
These incidents come amid soaring tensions as Washington and Tehran tussle over reviving the nuclear deal abandoned by Trump in 2018. The US accuses Iran of ramping up harassment and seizures of commercial vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iranian forces grabbed two oil tankers in April and May alone.
Details of the Close Calls
- At 1am on Wednesday, Iranian forces closed in on the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker TRF Moss but backed off when USS McFaul arrived.
- Three hours later, the Bahamian tanker Richmond Voyager called for help after Iranian naval vessels ordered it to stop and opened fire with small arms and crew-served weapons. No casualties or significant damage happened.
- The USS McFaul’s arrival spooked the Iranian forces into retreating, allowing the tankers safe passage.
Since May, the US Navy ramped up patrols in the region after nearly 20 commercial vessels have been attacked or seized by Iran since 2021. Vice Admiral Brad Cooper warned: “We remain vigilant and ready to protect navigational rights in these critical waters.”
Iran, hit hard by sanctions following the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal, has stayed silent on the latest maritime skirmishes. The showdown underscores escalating risks as diplomatic talks to revive the deal drag on.
