A U.S.-flagged tanker was approached by Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz while under military escort, according to a report from British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech. The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, approximately 16 nautical miles north of Oman’s coast. The Iranian vessels, identified as belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, reportedly threatened to board the tanker, demanding that it stop its engines.
The tanker, named the Stena Imperative, did not comply with the demands and increased its speed while maintaining its course. Vanguard Tech confirmed that the vessel never entered Iranian territorial waters. Following the encounter, the tanker’s journey continued under the protection of a U.S. warship, indicating the heightened military presence in the area.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Stena Imperative remained on track to reach its destination in Bahrain, with an expected arrival at the port of Sitrah on February 5, 2024. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported the incident, noting that the tanker was hailed by multiple armed vessels but that it ignored the request to stop and proceeded with its planned route. UKMTO warned all vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway for global oil and liquefied natural gas transport, making incidents in this region particularly significant. Heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran have led to multiple confrontations in the past, and this latest event underscores the precarious situation.
In contrast to Vanguard’s detailed report, Iran’s Fars news agency, closely connected to the Revolutionary Guards, denied the encounter, claiming that a vessel had been intercepted after unlawfully entering Iranian territorial waters. Tracking data from MarineTraffic, however, confirmed that the Stena Imperative remained within Oman’s maritime economic zone throughout its transit.
Last week, a senior Iranian official from the Revolutionary Guards issued a warning to block access to the Strait if the U.S. were to launch an attack. This statement followed military exercises conducted by the Guards in the strategic waterway. The ongoing tensions have attracted considerable attention, especially as U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at potential military action regarding Iran’s domestic policies and its nuclear program.
Trump stated in a recent interview with CBS News that he had held discussions with Iranian officials and planned to continue these talks. He emphasized two key points: Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions, and it must stop the violent suppression of protests within its borders. Reports indicate that at least 10 U.S. warships, including an aircraft carrier and five destroyers, are currently positioned near Iran’s coastal waters. Trump referred to this naval deployment as an “armada,” expressing a hope that it would not be necessary to utilize force.
Expectations are high for upcoming discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials later this week, as both sides navigate the fragile landscape of diplomatic relations. The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for regional stability and global energy markets.
