A U.S.-flagged oil tanker was approached by Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, escalating tensions just days before planned U.S.-Iran negotiations, according to maritime security firm Vanguard Tech and CBS News.
The tanker, Stena Imperative, was confronted by small armed vessels linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, which ordered the ship to stop and prepare for boarding.
Iranian gunboats approached a U.S. oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz and ordered it to stop, a provocative move at a time when Washington is building up forces in the region for a possible strike on Iran https://t.co/MJ5xxfSbjO
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) February 3, 2026
The crew ignored the demand, increased speed, and continued its route. The vessel remained outside Iranian territorial waters and is now under escort by a U.S. warship.
British maritime authorities warned commercial vessels to transit the area with caution as investigations continue.
BREAKING: WSJ: Iranian gunboats intercepted a U.S. oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz early Tuesday and commanded it to stop. The maritime security firm Vanguard Tech informed clients that six Iranian vessels, equipped with .50-caliber guns, closed in on the tanker as it entered… pic.twitter.com/RO5t2sZcvv
— World Source News (@Worldsource24) February 3, 2026
Iran denied threatening the tanker, claiming the ship entered its waters without permission, a claim contradicted by tracking data.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy route and has seen repeated flashpoints amid growing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has warned Iran of further military action if talks fail.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
