A U.S.-flagged tanker faced a potentially dangerous situation when approached by Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred on February 3, 2024, as the tanker, known as the Stena Imperative, was transiting approximately 16 nautical miles north of Oman’s coast. According to the British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech, three pairs of armed boats from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps threatened to board the vessel.
The gunboats communicated with the tanker via radio, commanding the captain to “stop the engines and prepare to be boarded.” Despite these threats, the crew of the Stena Imperative increased their speed and maintained their course, successfully avoiding any confrontation. Vanguard Tech confirmed that the tanker never entered Iranian territorial waters and is now being escorted by a U.S. warship.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Stena Imperative remained on its planned route to Bahrain, with an expected arrival at the port of Sitrah on February 5, 2024. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly in this strategically significant maritime corridor.
Warnings and Investigations
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) initially reported the incident but did not specify the nationality of the vessels involved. They noted that multiple small armed vessels had hailed the tanker but it did not comply with their request to halt and continued on its journey. UKMTO urged all vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.
The Strait of Hormuz is critical for global oil transportation and has previously been the site of similar confrontations. In a statement, Iranian state media, linked closely to the Revolutionary Guards, denied the allegations made by Vanguard Tech, claiming that a vessel was intercepted after entering Iranian waters without permission. However, tracking data from MarineTraffic indicated that the Stena Imperative remained within Oman’s economic zone during its passage through the Strait.
Heightened Military Presence and Diplomatic Tensions
Tensions have further escalated with a senior Iranian official’s recent threat to block the Strait in response to any U.S. military action. This warning coincided with military exercises conducted by the Revolutionary Guards in the region over the weekend. U.S. President Donald Trump has issued repeated threats of military strikes against Iran, particularly concerning its handling of domestic protests and its nuclear program.
In an interview with CBS News, Trump stated, “I have had conversations with Iran in the last few days, and I am planning to have more,” emphasizing two main points: Iran must not pursue nuclear ambitions and must cease its suppression of protesters. As of last week, at least 10 U.S. warships, including an aircraft carrier and multiple destroyers, were reported to be heading toward Iranian waters, a deployment Trump has labeled an “armada.”
U.S. and Iranian officials are expected to meet later this week for negotiations, amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions. The situation remains fluid, and further developments could significantly impact regional stability in the Middle East.
