The US Navy prevented Iranian warships from seizing two oil tankers in international waters near Oman on Wednesday, according to a US military official.
At approximately 1 a.m. local time, an Iranian navy vessel approached a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, the TRF Moss, which had just transited the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranians appeared to be trying to board and seize the tanker, according to the official, but when the Navy moved the destroyer USS McFaul to the scene, the Iranian ship changed course and left.
Three hours later, another Iranian navy ship approached the tanker, the Richmond Voyager, which had sailed from the United Arab Emirates through the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker issued a distress call after the Iranian ship allegedly tried to stop it.
The Iranian navy appeared to be attempting to board and seize the tanker. According to the official, the Iranians were ordering the tanker to be stopped so they could board and presumably seize the oil, which was headed for the United States.
The United States moved the USS McFaul to the scene and also dispatched an MQ-9 drone, which recorded video of the Iranian ship firing small arms rounds at the tanker from about 1 nautical mile away, according to the official.
The shells hit near the crew’s living area, inflicting minor damage, but no one was injured, according to the official. When the USS McFaul arrived, the Iranian ship left, according to the official.
“I couldn’t be more proud of everyone. [U.S. Naval Forces Central Command] team, especially the exceptional effort of the McFaul crew, to respond immediately and prevent another seizure,” said Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, commander, US Naval Forces Central Command, US 5th Fleet. US and Combined Marine Forces. “We remain vigilant and ready to protect navigation rights in these critical waters.”
Iran’s mission to the UN did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
