Iran confirms tanker seized as it thwarts US ship ‘hijack’ in Oman Sea

Iranian forces have seized a Vietnam-flagged tanker that is strongly suspected to be aframax tanker Sothys (IMO: 9253064), based on reports from the Associated Press news agency and analysis from United Against Nuclear Iran. Two US defence officials told AP that the tanker was taken on October 24 and that Iranian forces still held the vessel. At the same time Iran media reported its forces had thwarted US attempts to seize Iran oil off another tanker in the Oman Sea. The reports reflect rising tensions yet again in the region, after Iran was blamed for a fatal drone attack on Zodiac Maritime-operated product tanker Mercer Street in the same area on July 29, an incident which killed two crew.