Central Command launched this picture of Iran’s newest tanker seizure within the Strait of Hormuz
U.S. Central Command has launched video of an incident at this time, May 3, when at roughly 6:20 a.m. native time, the Panama-flagged oil tanker Niovi was seized by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) whereas transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The oil tanker departed Dubai and was transiting from the Arabian Gulf towards the port of Fujairah within the United Arab Emirates when a dozen IRGCN fast-attack craft swarmed the vessel in the course of the strait. The IRGCN subsequently compelled the oil tanker to reverse course and head towards Iranian territorial waters off the coast of Bandar Abbas, Iran.
A earlier incident occurred six days in the past when the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy seized Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker Advantage Sweet whereas it transited worldwide waters within the Gulf of Oman.
“Iran’s actions are contrary to international law and disruptive to regional security and stability. Over the past two years, Iran has harassed, attacked or interfered with the navigational rights of 15 internationally flagged merchant vessels,” says Central Command, including, “Iran’s continued harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights in regional waters are unwarranted, irresponsible and a present threat to maritime security and the global economy.”
According to reports, Iran’s seizure of the primary ship, Advantage Sweet, got here after the U.S. took management of the Iranian oil cargo aboard the Marshall Islands tanker Suez Rajan in response to a court docket order. The state-controlled Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA)) stated that the Advantage Sweet had been seized after it collided with an Iranian boat and tried to flee the scene. Today IRNA cited Tehran’s Public and Revolution Prosecutor’s workplace as saying that the Niovi had been seized within the Strait of Hormuz “because of a private complaint and a subsequent order by relevant judicial authorities.”
The 2005-built, 309,164 dwt, Niovi is managed by Piraeus-based Smart Tankers Inc. and owned by Grand Financing Co, which provides its handle as in care of Smart Tankers.
