Iran claimed to have a court order to seize the Bahamian-flagged oil tanker Richmond Voyager on July 5, 2023. The tanker collided with an Iranian vessel while traveling in international waters near Muscat, Oman.
The Iranian navy approached the Richmond Voyager, fired warning shots, and boarded the ship when it failed to comply with their orders.
Iran attributed the collision to the Richmond Voyager and reported no injuries to the tanker’s crew. In contrast, the U.S. Navy stated that no collision occurred and accused the Iranian navy of unprovoked firing on the tanker.
The U.S. Navy also disclosed preventing Iran from seizing another tanker, the Marshall Islands-flagged TRF Moss, in the same area.
Iran’s history of seizing foreign tankers in the Gulf, including a Greek-flagged vessel in April 2023, raises concerns about shipping safety in the region. The Gulf serves as a crucial shipping route for oil and other commodities, and any disruption to shipping could significantly impact the global economy.
The long-term implications of Iran’s seizure of the Richmond Voyager remain uncertain. Nevertheless, this incident serves as a reminder of the existing tensions between Iran and the West, highlighting the potential for further escalation.
