Iran seizes oil tanker in Gulf of Oman as US disables two Iranian ships

Iran seized an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Friday, hours after the US military fired on and disabled two Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. It was the most serious escalation between the two sides since the ceasefire began.

The Iranian navy boarded the Ocean Koi in the Gulf of Oman, according to Iranian state media. Tehran said the vessel was seized for attempting to disrupt its oil exports. US Central Command said it was assessing the situation and declined to comment.

US Navy destroyers came under fire from Iranian shore batteries and fast-attack craft while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Friday morning, according to a Centcom statement. The destroyers returned fire and disabled two Iranian vessels that Centcom said had threatened commercial shipping. Hours later, the United Arab Emirates reported it had intercepted Iranian missiles and drones in a separate incident.

President Donald Trump said the ceasefire remained in place despite the exchanges. He warned Tehran to accept a deal to end the war or face severe consequences. Iran has until Friday to respond to the US peace plan, according to administration officials.

Strait of Hormuz

About 20 per cent of global oil supplies transit the Strait of Hormuz, which has been a flashpoint since the US-Iran war began. Friday’s exchange was the most direct engagement between US and Iranian forces in the waterway since the ceasefire was agreed. Centcom said three Navy destroyers came under fire while transiting the strait.

UAE attacks

The UAE said it intercepted a barrage of Iranian missiles and drones on Friday evening. Emirati air defence systems handled the attack with no casualties, according to state media. The UAE has been a key mediator in the conflict, hosting diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran throughout the crisis.

UN response

The United Nations called for maximum restraint. A spokesperson urged all parties to abide by the ceasefire and refrain from actions that could lead to renewed escalation. The UN Security Council was expected to hold emergency consultations.

Iran’s expected response to the US peace plan by Friday has taken on added urgency after the clashes. Administration officials said they had not yet received a formal reply from Tehran. The deadline was set earlier this month when Trump gave Iran one week to accept terms or face resumed military operations.