The US-flagged oil tanker Stena Imperative was approached by six armed boats of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on february 3 while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, approximately 30 km north of Oman, according to British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech.

The Iranian forces instructed the captain to stop the engine and prepare for boarding and inspection. However, the vessel increased speed and maintained its course. "The Stena Imperative did not enter Iranian territorial waters," Vanguard Tech stated. "Currently, a US warship is escorting the vessel."

The Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman. Graphics: CSIS

Earlier, UKMTO, the United Kingdom's Royal Navy maritime security agency, reported that "several armed boats approached an oil tanker and ordered the vessel to stop," but did not release further details.

Iranian and US officials have not commented on the information.

The incident occurred after a senior IRGC commander last week threatened to blockade the Strait of Hormuz if attacked by the US. This strait is a crucial shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas. Iran previously seized two foreign vessels in 2023 and one vessel in 2024 in this area.

The Stena Imperative in a february 2024 photo. Photo: Marine Traffic

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated following anti-government protests that erupted in Iran in late december 2025. These protests were fueled by merchants dissatisfied with the economic situation and the depreciating rial. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations later escalated into deadly violence.

President Trump repeatedly mentioned the possibility of supporting the protesters, including the scenario of ordering airstrikes on Iran. However, Washington's allies warned Trump about the prolonged consequences of such an attack.

Iran later declared the protests over, with more than 3,000 fatalities, stating that most victims were security force members or bystanders killed by "rioters."

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, Reuters)