U.S. Navy: Iranian Revolutionary Guard Seizes Commercial Ship in the Gulf

A spokesperson for the U.S. Navy, Tim Hawkins, indicated today, Thursday, that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has seized a commercial ship in international waters in the Gulf, suggesting that the vessel may have been involved in smuggling activities. Hawkins stated, "U.S. naval forces have deployed maritime assets to closely monitor the situation." He added, "Ultimately, U.S. Central Command assessed that the circumstances of this incident do not warrant further intervention." Hawkins emphasized, "U.S. forces remain vigilant and ready to protect legitimate navigation rights in crucial waterways in the Middle East." British maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed its awareness of the attempt by the Revolutionary Guard to seize a small tanker flying the Tanzanian flag, located 59 nautical miles northeast of Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The company noted in a statement, "Iran frequently intercepts smaller tankers suspected of smuggling oil." For its part, Iran stated today that it has a court order to seize one of the two tankers that were sailing in the Gulf yesterday after colliding with an Iranian vessel.