U.S. Navy Thwarts Iranian Attempt to Seize Oil Tankers in Gulf of Oman

An Iranian warship fired on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman before leaving the scene after US naval forces arrived. The Iranian Navy attempted to seize two commercial tankers, firing multiple shots while trying to take the oil tanker Richmond Voyager. The USS McFaul and surveillance assets responded to the attempted seizures, and the Iranian Navy vessels left once the US ship arrived. No significant damage or injuries were reported. Iran has increased its attempts to seize commercial ships, with 20 incidents since 2021. The US has increased its presence in the Strait of Hormuz following previous tanker seizures by Iran.