A vessel was seized off the coast of the United Arab Emirates by unidentified individuals on Thursday and taken into Iranian territorial waters near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency.
اضافة اعلان
The UKMTO said it had received a report of an incident approximately 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah in the UAE, adding that “the vessel was boarded by unauthorized individuals while at anchor and is currently being directed toward Iranian territorial waters.”
Tehran has effectively restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz following the joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran on 28 February. Since then, vessels—including commercial ships—have reportedly come under missile and drone attacks while attempting to transit the waterway.
Although a ceasefire has been in effect since 2 April, the crisis surrounding the strategically important shipping and energy corridor remains unresolved, compounded by Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports.
The UK maritime agency has recorded dozens of incidents involving Iranian forces reportedly firing projectiles toward vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf waters remains a major point of tension between Iran and the United States due to its impact on maritime shipping and global energy prices.
Iran exerts control over this vital route for transporting oil, gas, and fertilizers, and has established a payment mechanism imposing transit fees on vessels attempting to pass through. Washington responded by blockading Iranian ports.
On Wednesday, the Iranian military said Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz could generate substantial economic returns and strengthen the country’s international position.
Iran’s armed forces also warned on Sunday that countries complying with U.S. sanctions against Iran could face difficulties transiting the strait.
Iran has permitted limited vessel passage through the strait, which under normal conditions carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, in addition to other essential commodities.
AFP
