A U.S.-flagged tanker was approached by Iranian gunboats while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on February 5, 2024, escalating tensions in the region. The incident involved the vessel, identified as the Stena Imperative, encountering three pairs of small armed boats from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps. According to British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech, the Iranian boats threatened to board the tanker, prompting it to increase speed and maintain its course under military escort.
The encounter occurred approximately 16 nautical miles north of Oman’s coast. Vanguard Tech reported that the gunboats used radio communication to order the captain to “stop the engines and prepare to be boarded.” The tanker, however, did not comply and continued on its route, emphasizing that it never entered Iranian territorial waters. Following the incident, a U.S. Navy warship began escorting the tanker.
Regional Tensions Escalate
The Stena Imperative was en route to Bahrain and was scheduled to arrive at the port Sitrah on February 5. Tracking data from MarineTraffic confirmed that the vessel remained within Oman’s maritime economic zone during its passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway is critical for the global transport of oil and liquefied natural gas and has been the scene of numerous confrontations amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the West.
The British maritime agency UKMTO earlier reported the incident, noting that the tanker was “hailed on VHF by numerous small armed vessels” but ignored the request to stop. Authorities are currently investigating the matter and have warned all vessels in the region to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.
In response to the incident, Iran’s Fars news agency, linked to the Revolutionary Guards, denied reports from Vanguard Tech, claiming that a vessel was intercepted after entering Iranian waters without permission. This claim contrasts with tracking data indicating that the Stena Imperative remained in Oman’s jurisdiction.
Military Movements and Diplomatic Talks
This confrontation is part of a broader backdrop of heightened military presence in the region. Last week, a senior Iranian official threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz in the event of a U.S. attack. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards also conducted military exercises in the waterway, signaling their readiness to respond to perceived threats.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened military action over Iran’s response to internal protests and its nuclear program negotiations. In a recent interview with CBS News, Trump stated he had been in communication with Iran, emphasizing two key demands: “No nuclear. And stop killing protesters.” He mentioned that at least ten U.S. warships, including an aircraft carrier and multiple destroyers, are currently positioned near Iran’s coastal waters.
Negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials are expected to occur later this week, as both sides seek to address the escalating tensions in the region. Despite the risks, some in Iran hold hope that the current U.S. administration will fulfill its diplomatic promises, even as fears of military conflict loom large.
