Iran: six Revolutionary Guard boats attempt to board an American oil tanker off the coast of Oman

Tensions around the Persian Gulf. While passing through the Strait of Hormuz, nestled between Oman and Iran, a US tanker Stena Imperative was approached by six small Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats, according to British maritime security company Vanguard Tech. The boats contacted it by radio, ordering the captain to “stop the engines and prepare to be boarded”, but the tanker increased its speed and continued on its way, explains Vanguard Tech, specifying that it had not entered Iranian territorial waters. The company says the tanker is now escorted by a US warship.

Strategic point

The Strait of Hormuz is a key passage, used by more than 30% of global oil trade. This portion of the Indian Ocean also allows access to several hydrocarbon-producing countries.

In the past, the strait has been the scene of numerous clashes, mainly during the Iran-Iraq conflict. It has also often been used by Tehran as a pressure point during international negotiations.

Today, the geopolitical situation around Iran is extremely tense. Many nations condemn the repression of the population orchestrated in the country by the mullahs’ regime. The United States is also putting pressure on the Islamic Republic, suspecting it of wanting to enrich its nuclear arsenal. Negotiations are expected to be held between Washington and Tehran in the coming days.