Current:Home > StocksIran airs video of commandos descending from helicopter to seize oil tanker bound for Texas -RiskWatch
Iran airs video of commandos descending from helicopter to seize oil tanker bound for Texas
View
Date:2025-04-17 10:02:55
Masked Iranian navy commandos conducted a helicopter-borne raid to seize a U.S.-bound oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, footage aired by Iran's state television showed Friday.
The capture on Thursday of the Turkish-managed, Chinese-owned Advantage Sweet represents the latest seizure by Iran amid tensions with the U.S. over advancing nuclear program. While Tehran says the tanker was seized after it ran into another Iranian vessel, it has provided no evidence yet to support the claim — and the Islamic Republic has taken other ships as bargaining chips in negotiations with the West.
The footage showed the commandos descending on the deck of the Advantage Sweet by ropes from a hovering helicopter. A photograph showed one commando with his fist in the air after apparently taking the vessel.
"Advantage Sweet was seized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy while transiting international waters in the Gulf of Oman," U.S. Naval Forces Central Command said in a statement Thursday. "Iran's actions are contrary to international law and disruptive to regional security and stability. The Iranian government should immediately release the oil tanker."
The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet has said the Iranian seizure was at least the fifth commercial vessel taken by Tehran in the last two years.
"Iran's continued harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights in regional waters are a threat to maritime security and the global economy," it added.
Iran claimed the tanker had crashed into one of its vessels, leaving two Iranian crew members missing, and injuring several others.
The vessel's manager, a Turkish firm called Advantage Tankers, issued a statement acknowledging the Advantage Sweet was "being escorted by the Iranian navy to a port on the basis of an international dispute." All the ship's 24 crew members are Indian.
"The safety and welfare of our valued crew members is our No. 1 priority," the firm said. "Similar experiences show that crew members of vessels taken under such circumstances are in no danger."
The vessel had picked up oil from Kuwait and was chartered by Chevron Corp, an Advantage Tankers spokesperson said. It was bound for Houston, Texas, according to the MarineTraffic tracking website.
Thursday's seizure was the latest incident in the sensitive waters of the Gulf, which carry about a third of the world's seaborne oil.
Such incidents have grown more frequent since 2018 when the U.S. withdrew from a landmark nuclear agreement between Iran and major powers and reimposed crippling sanctions. Marathon efforts to restore the deal have stalled.
The latest seizure came only days after Western governments toughened sanctions on Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
Last December, an Iranian patrol boat allegedly "attempted to blind" two U.S. vessels that were conducting "a routine transit in international waters." That incident occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It's considered the world's most important oil transit route, since about one-fifth of the world's oil supplies travel through the strait each day.
AFP contributed to this report.
- In:
- Oil Imports
- Iran
- Turkey
- Persian Gulf
- Oil and Gas
veryGood! (69664)
Related
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Storm Elias crashes into a Greek city, filling homes with mud and knocking out power
- 2 accused of false Alzheimer’s diagnoses get prison terms for fraud convictions
- Cheese lovers rejoice: The CurderBurger is coming back to Culver's menu for a limited time
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- A Florida man and dog were attacked by a rabid otter. Here's what to know about the symptoms and treatment.
- $10,000 bill sells for nearly half a million dollars at Texas auction — and 1899 coin sells for almost as much
- Disney World government will give employees stipend after backlash for taking away park passes
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- White Sox executive named Perfect Game's new commissioner: 'I want to make a difference'
Ranking
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Italy’s leader signs deal with industry to lower prices of essentials like food for 3 months
- Child dies at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas; officials release few details
- North Carolina’s governor vetoes bill that would take away his control over election boards
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Judge rejects Trump's effort to have her recused from Jan. 6 case
- Invasive catfish poised to be apex predators after eating their way into Georgia rivers
- Volcanic supercontinent will likely wipe out humans in 250 million years, study says
Recommendation
Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
Arkansas man wins $5.75 million playing lottery on mobile app
Hollywood actors to resume negotiations with studios next week as writers strike ends
Romanian court eases geographical restrictions on divisive influencer Andrew Tate
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Is nutmeg good for you? Maybe, but be careful not to eat too much.
FDA panel overwhelmingly votes against experimental ALS treatment pushed by patients
Inspired by llamas, the desert and Mother Earth, these craftswomen weave sacred textiles