Jul 18, 2019 - World

Iran says it seized foreign oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz

Marisa Fernandez

Oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: Marwan Naamani/AFP/Getty Images

Iranian state TV announced Thursday that the country's Revolutionary Guard seized a foreign tanker with 12 crew members onboard in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, accusing the ship of smuggling fuel, per the AP.

The big picture: While the Iranian report did not identify which country the ship belonged to, a U.S. official told the AP that it was likely a small, Panamanian-flagged tanker that operated around the United Arab Emirates and had turned off its tracking equipment on Sunday.

The seizure comes at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran in the aftermath of the U.S. exit from the Iran nuclear deal and Iran's increased enrichment of uranium.
Over the last month, Iran has allegedly attacked and attempted to seize other foreign tankers in the strait — and shot down a U.S. surveillance drone.
The U.S. — as well as other allies, including the U.K. and Israel — blames Iran for the recent attacks on oil tankers, though Iran has denied the allegations.

This is a developing story. Check back with updates.

Add Axios on Google

Iran says it seized foreign oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz

What to read next