Iran confirms the U.S. Navy seized an Iranian vessel in the Sea of Oman, calling it “maritime piracy” and warning of imminent retaliation amid rising regional tensions.
TEHRAN / WASHINGTON — (Horn post) Iran’s military has confirmed that a vessel in the Sea of Oman was seized following a U.S.-led maritime operation, escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington amid ongoing regional security disputes.
In a statement carried by the state-affiliated Tasnim News Agency, Iran’s Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters accused the United States of carrying out what it described as an “act of maritime piracy.”
Iran’s Statement
The statement alleged that U.S. forces attacked an Iranian commercial vessel by firing upon it, disabling its navigation systems, and deploying military personnel onto its deck.
“The aggressive America, by violating the ceasefire and committing maritime piracy, attacked one of Iran’s commercial ships in the waters of the Sea of Oman,” the statement said, confirming that the vessel was seized.
It further warned that Iranian armed forces would respond.
“We warn that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond to and retaliate against this armed piracy by the U.S. military,” it added.
U.S. Position
The confirmation from Iran follows an earlier announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said the U.S. Navy had intercepted and seized a cargo vessel flying the Iranian flag.
Trump stated that the ship had attempted to evade maritime restrictions enforced by Washington in the region.
Rising Maritime Tensions
The incident marks a new escalation in maritime tensions in the Gulf region, where the United States has previously increased naval enforcement operations targeting vessels suspected of sanctions violations.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
