U.S. Oil Tanker Encounters Standoff with Iranian Gunboats in Strategic Strait

On February 4, multiple news sources reported a tense maritime encounter in the Strait of Hormuz, where a U.S.-flagged oil tanker faced an aggressive interception attempt by Iranian military vessels. According to reports from Jin10 and Western media citing British maritime security sources, the incident unfolded on February 3 when six Iranian gunboats approached the American tanker in contested waters.

The confrontation escalated quickly. The Iranian gunboats transmitted radio communications to the tanker’s bridge, demanding that the crew shut down engines and prepare to be boarded. Rather than comply with these instructions, the tanker’s captain made the decision to increase speed and maintain the vessel’s course. This bold maneuver allowed the commercial tanker to break free from the immediate threat posed by the Iranian military craft.

The situation was further complicated by the presence of protective assets in the region. The U.S. tanker continued its journey escorted by an American warship, ensuring safe passage through one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors. The vessel was expected to reach the port of Sitra in Bahrain by February 5, completing its transit despite the attempted interference.

Iran’s response came through its state news agency, Fars, which presented a different narrative of the events. According to the Iranian account, the vessels that were stopped had entered Iranian territorial waters without proper authorization, justifying the interception attempt. This claim highlighted the ongoing dispute over maritime boundaries and territorial claims in the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that remains one of the most strategically significant shipping lanes globally. The conflicting accounts underscore the persistent tensions surrounding shipping freedom and maritime sovereignty in the region.