ALBAWABA- Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces approached the U.S.-flagged oil tanker Stena Imperative on Tuesday, in the Strait of Hormuz, ordering it to stop, according to maritime security reports and U.S. officials.
Six small armed boats, operating in three pairs, intercepted the vessel about 16 nautical miles off Oman as it sailed toward Bahrain. The tanker did not comply, and the IRGC boats withdrew without escalation.
No shots were fired, and no boarding occurred, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). U.S. Central Command described the encounter as harassment by Iranian forces amid heightened regional vigilance.
The incident mirrors previous 2025 confrontations, including Iran’s seizure of foreign tankers accused of sanctions violations, highlighting ongoing tensions in the Strait, a vital chokepoint for 20% of global oil traffic. The show of force may test U.S. resolve or serve as leverage ahead of tentative diplomatic talks.
Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone that approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. The carrier was operating in international waters roughly 500 miles (800 kilometers) off Iran’s southern coast.
CENTCOM spokesperson Navy Captain Tim Hawkins said the drone advanced “with unclear intent” despite repeated de-escalatory measures.
An F-35C fighter launched from the Abraham Lincoln intercepted and destroyed the drone in self-defense to protect the vessel and its crew. No U.S. personnel were injured, and no equipment was damaged.
The flare-up coincides with potential U.S.-Iran negotiation plans, mediated by Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar, with meetings between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expected in Ankara or Istanbul.
Efforts aim to address nuclear issues and sanctions disputes following the 2025 Israel-Iran conflict. Both sides have expressed readiness for dialogue, but mutual distrust remains high.
