Tehran, Iran — Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says it has seized British oil tanker, the Stena Impero, in the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement comes one day after the U.S. said it destroyed an Iranian drone.
The military branch said the tanker over “non-compliance with international maritime laws and regulations” and has transferred the vessel to an Iranian port.
The company that owns the tanker, Stena Bulk and Northern Marine Management, said the vessel was approached by unidentified small crafts and a helicopter on Wednesday. “We are presently unable to contact the vessel which is now heading north towards Iran,” the company said in a statement.
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There are 23 people aboard the tanker and no reported injuries, the company said.
CBS News national security correspondent David Martin confirmed that Iran had seized a second tanker as well.
One U.K. official told CBS News that the incident “is being discussed at the highest levels.”
“We are urgently seeking further information and assessing the situation following reports of an incident in the Gulf,” a U.K. government spokesperson added.
U.K. Chamber of Shipping CEO Bob Sanguinetti said the seizure represents an escalation in tensions in the Persian Gulf that makes it clear more protection for merchant vessels is urgently needed.
Sanguinetti said Friday the action is “in violation of international regulations which protect ships and their crews as they go about their legitimate business in international waters.”
He called on the British government to do “whatever is necessary” to ensure the safe and swift return of the ship’s crew.
Garrett Marquis, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, issued a statement reaffirming U.S. support for the U.K. in the wake of the seizure and noting that “this is the second time in just over a week the U.K. has been the target of escalatory violence.” Donald Trump also said he’d speak with U.K. officials.
Last week, three Iranian boats attempted to block the British Heritage tanker from entering the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker was being escorted by the British warship HMS Montrose.
The strategically vital Strait of Hormuz is at the mouth of the Persian Gulf and serves as the passageway for one-fifth of all global crude exports.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
