In two separate incidents in international waters within the Gulf of Oman, the US Navy successfully intervened to prevent Iranian forces from seizing commercial oil tankers. The first incident unfolded around 1 a.m. local time when an Iranian vessel attempted to seize the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker TRF Moss. The US Navy responded swiftly, dispatching the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul to the scene, alongside surveillance assets including an MQ-9 Reaper drone and a P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. This prompt action led to the Iranian vessel abandoning its attempt.
The second incident, occurring approximately three hours later, involved a more aggressive approach by the Iranian navy. Following a distress call from the Bahamian-flagged oil tanker Richmond Voyager, the USS McFaul raced to the scene at maximum speed. An Iranian naval vessel had closed in on the Richmond Voyager, ordering it to stop, and then proceeded to fire upon the tanker with both small arms and crew-served weapons. Although rounds struck the hull near crew living quarters, no significant damage or casualties were reported. The arrival of the USS McFaul once again prompted the Iranian vessel to retreat.
Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, commended the rapid response and decisive actions of the McFaul crew in preventing the seizures. He reaffirmed the US Navy's commitment to safeguarding navigational rights in the region. These incidents mark a continuation of a pattern of Iranian aggression in the area, with nearly 20 internationally flagged merchant vessels attacked or seized since 2021. In response, the US has increased its naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz, working with allies to deter such threats and reassure maritime traffic. Iran has denied any involvement in these attempted seizures. Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, highlighted the effectiveness of military deterrence in compelling Iran to modify its tactics, but stressed the need for continued vigilance and strategic action.
