Iran Cargo Ship: Revolutionary Guard Boards Commercial Vessel, U.S. Monitoring
Iran has fired at and seized a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the area, the U.S. military forces in the area have been called for support.
Multiple media reports indicate that Iran has captured a commercial cargo ship traveling the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the information, Iran has seized the ship and its 34 crew members for violating the country’s waters in the Persian Gulf.
The Pentagon denies the ship belongs to the U.S. — as was originally reported — but a spokesman confirmed Iran boarded the Marshall Island-flagged Maersk Tigris vessel, after Iranian patrol boats fired warning shots at the ship ordering it to move deeper into Iranian waters, Reuters reports.
Pentagon spokesman, U.S. Army Colonel Steve Warren said the cargo ship initially ignored Iran’s verbal warnings, however, it later complied after the shots were fired. U.S. planes and the carrier USS Farragut responded to a distress call from the Maersk Tigris and are monitoring the situation.
No Americans are among the crew members in custody, the reports indicate. A warship from Iran is taking the cargo ship to the city of Bandar Abbas, and Iranian port Fars and Al Arabiya are reporting. However, the information is conflicting as to whether the cargo ship was actually seized.
“The master was contacted and directed to proceed further into Iranian territorial waters. He declined and one of the IRGCN craft fired shots across the bridge of the Maersk Tigris. The master complied with the Iranian demand and proceeded into Iranian waters IVO Larak Island.”
The breaking news is being picked up by social media, as more information becomes available.
MORE: Iran reportedly seizes Maersk container ship with 34 on board http://t.co/BqI8h9YwU1 pic.twitter.com/biUsm38nFT
— The Hill (@thehill) April 28, 2015
US Navy called in after Iran fires at US cargo ship in gulf 34 ppl being held http://t.co/nDvA49yCFM @timesofisrael pic.twitter.com/I4k5UXsAkN
— Tx_Laney (@Babbsgirl2) April 28, 2015
BREAKING: Iran Fires At A U.S. Cargo Ship With 34 Sailors Aboard And Hijacks It http://t.co/4WbKzJV5jN pic.twitter.com/A3HrRjXftF
— Walid Shoebat (@WalidShoebat) April 28, 2015
The incident comes as the Obama administration is moving forward in the nuclear deal with Iran, despite strong opposition from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and Iran’s continued threats against America. Secretary of State John Kerry said during a meeting that the “deal is closer than ever” however, difficult negotiations are still ahead. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
[Photo by Getty Images]
