On June 4th, the U.S. and U.K. forces came to aid a merchant ship that was being harassed by Iranian fast attack boats while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The attack boats departed the area after the mobilization of U.S. and U.K. naval forces in the vicinity.
The internationally flagged vessel, whose name has not been revealed, was transiting the Strait of Hormuz on June 4th when it sent a distress call at 4:56 PM local time. The ship’s crew had reported the approach of fast attack boats with armed personnel on board, which had closely followed the merchant ship.
Upon receiving the distress call, the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) and the UK Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster (F 229) mobilized. The U.S. 5th Fleet also dispatched a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to monitor the situation, while HMS Lancaster deployed a helicopter for surveillance.
The attack boats were identified as belonging to the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. The situation de-escalated approximately an hour after the distress call, with the merchant ship reporting that the attack boats had left the vicinity. The merchant ship proceeded through the strait without further incident.
This incident highlights the ongoing regional tensions, given that about 20% of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. In response to increased attacks on merchant vessels by Iran, the U.S. Department of Defense is strengthening its presence in the Gulf region. Over the past two years, Iran has harassed or attacked more than a dozen internationally flagged vessels.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily those of News2Sea.
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