Iranian Boats Fire on Tanker Near Oman, UKMTO Reports

Middle Eastern outlets with access to Iranian statements stress that Iranian forces helped an oil tanker reach Iranian waters safely while facing what Tehran calls a US blockade. They report that Iranian officials see the US seizure of the Touska as an unlawful act that targets Iran’s trade and undermines ongoing mediation efforts. Some regional coverage notes that Washington accuses the ship of carrying dual-use items, while Iranian voices argue that US pressure on shipping risks provoking more confrontations in the Strait of Hormuz.

• •Iranian military sources say the Iranian army assisted an oil tanker in entering Iranian territorial waters despite US naval pressure.
• •Iranian officials describe US actions around the Touska as part of an illegal blockade against Iranian shipping.
• •Regional reports state that the Touska’s seizure occurred while third parties were trying to mediate between Iran and the United States.
• •Middle Eastern outlets note that US sources accuse the Touska of carrying dual-use equipment but say Iran rejects that justification.
• •Commentary in the region warns that US seizures of Iran-linked ships and close naval encounters near Iranian ports increase the chance of miscalculation in the Strait of Hormuz.