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Iranian forces seized the Barbados flagged tanker Ocean Koi in the Gulf of Oman on Friday after another confrontation erupted between American destroyers and Iranian units moving through the narrow Strait of Hormuz during rising regional tensions.
Military officials in Tehran claimed the vessel carried Iranian crude and accused the crew of attempting to disrupt oil exports while foreign powers continued pressuring the Islamic Republic during a fragile period for maritime security.
State media outlets released footage showing armed personnel descending onto the tanker at night while patrol boats surrounded the ship with bright floodlights before escorting the vessel toward the southern coastline under military supervision.
Iranian authorities said the tanker had faced American sanctions since February and announced that judicial officials received control of the ship after the operation concluded without injuries according to reports carried by government broadcasters.
The seizure followed a tense exchange on Thursday after American naval commanders reported that Iranian missiles drones and fast attack boats targeted three guided missile destroyers traveling through the strategic waterway linking major energy markets.
United States Central Command said naval crews intercepted incoming threats before launching defensive strikes against an Iranian port which officials described as a direct response to what they called an unprovoked military attack.
President Trump later addressed reporters outside the White House and insisted the latest confrontation had not completely destroyed ongoing ceasefire discussions although he warned Tehran that severe consequences could follow if negotiations failed again.
Regional analysts warned that continued clashes near the Strait of Hormuz could increase fears surrounding global oil supplies because the narrow corridor previously carried a substantial share of international energy shipments before the current conflict intensified.
Diplomatic observers said both governments appeared determined to project strength across the region even as international mediators continued urging restraint and attempted to revive negotiations aimed at preventing broader conflict around vital commercial shipping routes.
Shipping companies meanwhile monitored developments closely while insurance markets assessed potential risks connected to renewed fighting in nearby waters and traders watched crude prices for signs that another prolonged standoff between Washington and Tehran might disrupt commerce
