Gulf of Oman: Iranian-backed forces suspected of hijacking commercial vessel east of Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman Aug. 3 /update 2

Event

The Aug. 3 seizure of a commercial vessel off the coast of Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman has been attributed to Iranian-backed forces. Iran has denied involvement in the incident. The most recent reports indicate that eight to nine armed men seized what most maritime companies have identified as the Panama-flagged Asphalt Princess. The vessel was approximately 60 nautical miles (111 km/69 miles) east of Fujairah when the incident reportedly transpired.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has referred to the incident as a "Potential Hijack." Further details about the incident have yet to become available. As of late Aug. 3, only one commercial vessel appeared to have been impacted.

Depending on the nature of the incident, Persian Gulf littoral states and their allies could increase naval and aerial surveillance in response to the event. Disruptions to shipping and maritime transport are possible in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea over the coming days and weeks.

Context

A series of high-profile incidents involving vessels and oil tankers have occurred in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in recent years. The Aug. 3 incident comes less than a week after an Israeli-linked oil tanker was attacked by a suspected Iranian-launched weaponized drone in the Arabian Sea July 30. Further similar incidents remain likely as heightened tensions between Washington and its allies and Tehran persist.

Advice

Exercise caution and reconfirm routes with maritime authorities if transiting or shipping freight through the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, or the Arabian Sea in the coming days and weeks.