The US Navy intervened to stop Iranian Navy ships attempting to seize two oil tankers in separate incidents in the Gulf of Oman early on Wednesday morning, according to a US defense official.

According to the official, an Iranian vessel fired at the tanker during its second attempt to seize it.
During the initial occurrence, an Iranian naval ship came close to the TRF Moss, an oil tanker registered in the Marshall Islands, while it was sailing in international waters in the Gulf of Oman around 1 am local time, as per the official’s statement. The tanker had already passed through the Strait of Hormuz and was en route to the Arabian Sea when the Iranian ship approached.

According to the official, The Iranian ship had no legitimate reason to be in the vicinity of the tanker or approach it, except for the purpose of trying to seize it. In order to prevent the oil tanker from being seized, A US Navy destroyer and maritime patrol aircraft were deployed and approached the ships. As a result, the Iranian vessel altered its course and departed from the area.

Shortly after, another ship from the Iranian Navy approached a separate oil tanker known as the Richmond Voyager. This incident took place in international waters near Muscat, Oman, approximately 20 nautical miles away from the coast. It is important to note that the Richmond Voyager was even farther away from Iranian waters than the previous tanker.

As the Iranian vessel approached the Richmond Voyager, it made a distress communication, according to a United States official. In response, a US Navy destroyer received the distress signal and swiftly headed towards the location. At that time, the Iranian ship had already contacted the oil tanker and was trying to halt and board it, as The US Navy destroyer approached closer.

According to a US official, individuals from Iran who were present on an Iranian Navy ship fired their small arms at the tanker, striking the ship’s side close to where the crew resides. Fortunately, no injuries were reported on the Richmond Voyager. Subsequently, the Iranian vessel departed the area upon the arrival of a US Navy destroyer.

No shots were fired by The US Navy during the incident, and there were no injuries among the US personnel involved.

“Our global presence allows us to act at a moment’s notice to ensure the free-flow of commerce that fuels the world’s economy… This is why our Sailors operate everywhere international law allows, so everyone else can too”

Rear Adm. Ryan Perry, the Navy’s chief of information

The US Navy reports that Iran has engaged in aggressive actions against approximately 20 commercial vessels flying international flags since 2021, which the Navy identifies as a significant danger to both regional maritime security and the global economy.

Earlier this year, Iran seized two oil tankers in less than a week.

On April 27, Iran’s Navy seized the Advantage Sweet oil tanker.

Only days later, Iran seized the oil tanker Niovi as it went through the Strait of Hormuz.

The string of events has led the United States and its allies to boost the frequency of ship and aircraft deployments in the area to more effectively discourage potential dangers to global maritime trade.