US Navy Boards Iranian-Flagged Oil Tanker in Gulf of Oman; Vessel Surrounded by Helicopters

New Delhi: Tensions between the United States and Iran in the Middle East appear to be taking a dangerous turn once again. On Wednesday, the U.S. military boarded and searched an Iranian-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the tanker was heading toward an Iranian port in violation of a U.S. naval blockade.

CENTCOM reported that Marine commandos from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit intercepted the tanker, named the “M/T Celestial Sea.” U.S. troops boarded the vessel—which measures approximately 120 meters in length—and conducted a search operation. Following the inspection, the ship was released, but its crew was ordered to alter their course.

The U.S. states that it is maintaining a strict watch over vessels linked to Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding maritime areas. According to CENTCOM, the routes of 91 commercial vessels have been diverted so far. This action comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump had claimed that he had temporarily halted plans for a new military strike against Iran. According to Trump, following requests from Gulf nations, he opted to defer military action and keep the door open for dialogue.

On the other hand, Iran also does not appear to be in a mood to back down. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) have warned that if the U.S. or Israel launches another attack, the conflict could spread beyond the confines of the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Iran has set about further tightening its grip on the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, Tehran is now implementing a “multi-layer clearance system” for vessels, under which certain ships are required to obtain special permits and, reportedly, pay a “fee.” Iran, in collaboration with Oman, is attempting to establish a “Sustainable Security Mechanism” in the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the United States has warned nations worldwide and shipping companies not to accept any such control mechanism proposed by Iran. Nevertheless, many countries and companies grappling with the energy crisis are actively seeking alternative routes, even at the risk of doing so.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil supply arteries; approximately 20 percent of the global supply of oil and gas passes through this route. In February, following an escalation of tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, maritime traffic in the region came to a near standstill.

The United States claims that more than 1,500 vessels from nearly 90 countries are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf. Consequently, this situation has exerted increased pressure on global prices for crude oil and natural gas. The world’s attention is now fixed on whether the U.S. and Iran will return to the negotiating table, or if this standoff in the Strait of Hormuz will spiral into a major military conflict.