US intervenes after Iranian navy vessel fires on oil tanker in Gulf of Oman.

The U.S. Navy Foils Iranian Attempts to Seize Commercial Tankers

The U.S. Navy successfully deterred Iranian forces from seizing two tanker seizure after attack on American-managed ship.”>commercial tankers in separate incidents, showcasing their unwavering commitment to protecting navigational rights in critical waters.

First Incident: TRF Moss

At approximately 1 a.m. local time, an Iranian navy vessel approached the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker TRF Moss in international waters in the Gulf of Oman. However, their plans were thwarted when the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul swiftly arrived at the scene. The Iranian vessel promptly departed, ensuring the safety of the tanker.

Second Incident: Richmond Voyager

Just three hours later, another Iranian vessel targeted the Bahamian-flagged oil tanker Richmond Voyager in international waters near Muscat, Oman. The aggressor opened fire with small arms and crew-served weapons, but fortunately, the Richmond Voyager’s crew remained unharmed. Once again, the arrival of the USS McFaul forced the Iranian vessel to retreat.

Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, expressed his pride in the swift response of the McFaul crew, stating, “I couldn’t be prouder of the entire [U.S. Naval Forces Central Command] team for immediately responding and preventing another seizure.”

The Pentagon had previously announced an increase in maritime presence in the Middle East due to repeated Iranian seizures of commercial vessels. The United States remains resolute in protecting freedom of navigation in the Middle East waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

According to the Fifth Fleet, Iran has harassed, attacked, or seized nearly 20 internationally flagged merchant vessels since 2021.

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