VIDEO: Iranian Navy Attacks Oil Tanker

An Iranian Warship Fires on Commercial Oil Tanker in Gulf of Oman

In a dramatic incident that unfolded in international waters, an Iranian warship opened fire on a commercial oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy successfully prevented Iranian vessels from seizing two other commercial ships.

Attack on Oil Tanker

At approximately 4 a.m. local time, an Iranian warship approached a Bahamian-flagged oil tanker and demanded it to stop. Startling video footage released by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command shows the Iranian ship firing “multiple, long bursts” from both small arms and crew-served weapons at the tanker. Fortunately, no crew members were harmed, and the ship sustained minimal damage, although several rounds hit near crew living areas.

U.S. Navy Response

The USS McFaul, a guided missile destroyer, swiftly responded to the distress call and raced towards the targeted tanker at maximum speed. As soon as the U.S. destroyer arrived in the vicinity, the Iranian ship promptly retreated.

Preventing Another Seizure

Mere hours before this incident, an Iranian Navy vessel approached a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker. However, the situation took a different turn as the USS McFaul, an MQ-9 Reaper drone, and a P-8 Poseidon patrol plane swiftly entered the area, preventing the Iranian ship from seizing the tanker.

International Concerns

This latest incident comes just a month after allies urged the United States to enhance its deterrence against Iranian seizures of oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. Following the Islamic Republic’s seizure of two tankers in two months, the United Arab Emirates sought U.S. assistance in restoring confidence in the security of the Persian Gulf, a crucial route through which one-third of the world’s oil passes.

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