In a statement released earlier today, the US Navy accused Iran of apprehending the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker, “Niovi”, while passing through the Strait of Hormuz after leaving Dubai for Fujairah Port. 

The US Navy coupled the statement with surveillance footage of a number of IRGC vessels surrounding the tanker. 

NEW - Iran seizes second oil tanker in a week — US Navypic.twitter.com/HTsI4O0oh0

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) May 3, 2023

On their part, Tehran's Public and Revolution Prosecutor's office announced that the Niovi oil tanker had been seized because of a private complaint and a consequent order by judicial authorities. 

Iranian navy seized Marshal Island flagged vessel for breaking laws

Iranian television, IRIB, revealed, on April 27, that the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN) had seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker, in the Gulf of Oman, after it violated international and navigation laws.

The United States seized an Iranian oil tanker just days before Tehran detained a tanker carrying American cargo in the Gulf of Oman, Reuters reported on April 29.

After the tanker, which the US revealed was known as Advantage Sweet, collided with an Iranian vessel, injuring several and resulting in the disappearance of crew members, an Iranian military force dropped on deck, through a helicopter, and seized the vessel.

According to the IRIN, Advantage Sweet, which carried a US payload but flew the Marshall Islands flag, attempted to escape, following the incident. It shut down its trackers, an act that contradicts international navigation laws.

The IRIN also explained that the IRIS Bayandor had been involved in the tanker's seizure after it forced it to move toward Iranian waters. 

Read more: FMs of Turkey, Russia, Syria, and Iran to meet next week

Back in February, Israeli media cited reports as saying that Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly targeted an oil tanker, Campo Square, operating on behalf of Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer's Zodiac Maritime shipping company.

The media claimed that senior security sources confirmed the reports regarding an IRGC attack on an Israeli commercial tanker in the Gulf.

The Israeli media quoted senior security sources as saying that the alleged attack is an Iranian attempt to retaliate against "Israel" for the activities attributed to it.

The Israeli Channel 12 military affairs commentator claimed that the attack is part of the battle that the Iranians are leading against "Israel", adding that the Iranians are trying to attack and retaliate against "Israel", and this attack is an example of that.