U.S. tanker approached by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz

British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech reported that the U.S.-flagged tanker Stena Imperative was approached and challenged by small armed boats identified as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz, and Vanguard Tech said the ship is now being escorted by a U.S. warship.

A U.S.-flagged tanker was approached and challenged by small armed boats while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech reported. Vanguard Tech identified the ship as the Stena Imperative and said the boats belonged to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and hailed the vessel by radio. The firm said the tanker continued on its course, did not enter Iranian territorial waters, and is now being escorted by a U.S. warship. Known details: - Vanguard Tech reported the Stena Imperative was approached by three pairs of small armed boats identified as belonging to the Revolutionary Guards about 16 nautical miles north of Oman while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. - The boats hailed the tanker by radio and reportedly ordered it to stop; Vanguard Tech said the ship increased speed, maintained course and did not enter Iranian waters. - Vanguard Tech said the vessel is now being escorted by a U.S. warship. - The British maritime reporting body UKMTO had earlier reported the incident without identifying the nationality of the ship or the approaching boats. Summary: The report describes an encounter that adds to prior maritime tensions in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, with the immediate status described as the tanker under U.S. naval escort. Undetermined at this time.