U.S.-Flagged Oil Tanker Encounters Iranian Gunboats in Strait of Hormuz

On February 4, Jin10 reported that a U.S.-flagged oil tanker, the Stena Imperative, was approached by six Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Jin10, the incident occurred on February 3, as reported by American media citing a British maritime security company. The gunboats reportedly communicated via radio, instructing the tanker’s captain to shut down the engines and prepare for boarding. However, the tanker accelerated and maintained its course. The Stena Imperative continued its journey under the escort of a U.S. warship and is expected to arrive at the port of Sitra in Bahrain on February 5. Iranian news agency Fars reported that vessels were intercepted for entering Iranian territorial waters without permission.