Current:Home > FinanceIran fired shots at oil tanker near Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Navy says-LoTradeCoin
Iran fired shots at oil tanker near Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Navy says
View Date:2024-12-23 19:03:42
Iran tried to seize two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz early Wednesday, firing shots at one of them, the U.S. Navy said.
It said that in both cases, the Iranian naval vessels backed off after the U.S. Navy responded, and that both commercial ships continued their voyages.
"The Iranian navy did make attempts to seize commercial tankers lawfully transiting international waters," said Cmdr. Tim Hawkins, spokesman for the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. "The U.S. Navy responded immediately and prevented those seizures."
He said the gunfire directed at the second vessel did not cause casualties or major damage.
There was no immediate Iranian comment on the incidents.
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 firing of shots happened 28 nautical miles northeast of Muscat, the capital of Oman.
The U.S. Navy says Iran has seized at least five commercial vessels in the last two years and has harassed several others. Many of the incidents have occurred in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all crude oil passes.
In April, masked Iranian navy commandos conducted a helicopter-borne raid to seize a U.S.-bound oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, footage of which was aired on Iranian state TV. Iran said the tanker was seized after it collided with another Iranian vessel but provided no evidence. In the past, Iran has seized commercial vessels to use as bargaining chips with the West.
U.S.-Iranian tensions have steadily risen since the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers and restored crippling sanctions. Iran has responded by ramping up its nuclear activities — which it says are purely peaceful — and is also providing armed drones to Russia for its war against Ukraine.
- In:
- Iran
- U.S. Navy
- Oil and Gas
veryGood! (779)
Related
- Garth Brooks wants to move his sexual assault case to federal court. How that could help the singer.
- How climate change drives inland floods
- A cataclysmic flood is coming for California. Climate change makes it more likely.
- Renewable energy is maligned by misinformation. It's a distraction, experts say
- 'Underbanked' households more likely to own crypto, FDIC report says
- Shawn Mendes and Ex Camila Cabello Reunite at Coachella 2023
- Fires scorch France and Spain as temperature-related deaths soar
- Watch Adele FaceTime Boyfriend Rich Paul During His Twitch Stream With Kai Cenat
- Tony Hinchcliffe refuses to apologize after calling Puerto Rico 'garbage' at Trump rally
- With Manchin deal, talk of Biden's climate emergency declaration may be dead
Ranking
- South Carolina does not set a date for the next execution after requests for a holiday pause
- A cataclysmic flood is coming for California. Climate change makes it more likely.
- With Manchin deal, talk of Biden's climate emergency declaration may be dead
- Yellowstone National Park will partially reopen Wednesday after historic floods
- Panel advises Illinois commemorate its role in helping slaves escape the South
- Why climate change may be driving more infectious diseases
- Get 2 MAC Cosmetics Extended Play Mascaras for the Price of 1
- Becky G Makes Cryptic Comment at Coachella Amid Sebastian Lletget Cheating Rumors
Recommendation
-
These Michael Kors’ Designer Handbags Are All Under $150 With an Extra 22% off for Singles’ Day
-
Drought threatens coal plant operations — and electricity — across the West
-
Trader Joe’s recalls cookies that could contain rocks: ‘Please do not eat them’
-
How climate change drives inland floods
-
Disney x Lululemon Limited-Edition Collection: Shop Before It Sells Out
-
Fires scorch France and Spain as temperature-related deaths soar
-
Go Inside the Love Lives of Stranger Things Stars
-
This Montana couple built their dream home, only to have it burn down in minutes