Iran has seized a second oil tanker in Gulf waters in per week as tensions with the US improve.
The US Navy stated Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard seized the vessel within the Strait of Hormuz after it had “forced” the Panama-flagged tanker Niovi to alter course.
The American navy printed photos of small vessels surrounding the tanker.
It comes after Iran seized an oil tanker, the Advantage Sweet, carrying crude for US vitality agency Chevron final week.
The incidents come amid wider tensions between Tehran and the US over its nuclear programme.
The US Navy stated: “Iran’s actions are contrary to international law and disruptive to regional security and stability.
“Iran’s continued harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights in regional waters are unwarranted, irresponsible and a gift risk to maritime safety and the worldwide economic system.”
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Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, believed to be close to the Revolutionary Guard, reported the paramilitary force had seized a tanker it described as a “violator”.
Shipping registries present the Niovi as being managed by Smart Tankers of Piraeus, Greece.
Wednesday’s motion by Iran is the most recent in a string of ship seizures since Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from Iran’s nuclear deal.
The worldwide deal had seen Tehran drastically restrict its enrichment of uranium in alternate for the lifting of financial sanctions.
Iranian tanker seizures have continued since 2019.
Source: information.sky.com”