In a period of escalating tensions in the Gulf region, Iranian forces have reportedly attacked multiple commercial vessels using projectiles and uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), resulting in fires, damage, and at least two crew fatalities. Concurrently, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized several foreign-flagged tankers for alleged maritime violations and fuel smuggling, while also issuing warnings regarding transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
These incidents coincide with ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran, as well as significant military buildups by both sides and their regional allies.
Maritime Incidents and Vessel Seizures
The Gulf region has experienced a series of maritime incidents, including attacks on and seizures of commercial vessels attributed to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Initial Tanker Attacks and Encounters
On Monday, March 1, the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker MKD VYOM was struck by an Iranian uncrewed surface vessel (USV) approximately 50 nautical miles north of Muscat, Oman. This incident resulted in an explosion and fire, leading to the death of one crew member and the evacuation of the crew.
Maritime security firms identified this as the first reported use of an Iranian USV in such an attack during the current regional events.
Separately on the same Monday, the U.S.-flagged oil tanker STENA IMPERATIVE sustained at least two direct hits from a suspected Iranian projectile while in the Port of Bahrain. The vessel caught fire, which was later extinguished, and its crew was safely evacuated. Weeks prior to this incident, the STENA IMPERATIVE had been approached by three pairs of IRGC small armed boats in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening boarding, before it proceeded under military escort.
Multiple Vessel Attacks on Wednesday
On Wednesday, March 3, several vessels were reportedly struck by projectiles:
- In Iraqi waters near Basra, the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and the Malta-flagged Zefyros, both carrying fuel, were targeted by what Iraqi port officials described as Iranian explosive-laden boats. Fires erupted on both vessels, and an Indian crew member from the Safesea Vishnu died. Twenty-five crew members from the two ships were rescued by the Iraqi Ports Company. Following these attacks, oil port operations in Iraq ceased.
- The Thai-flagged dry bulk vessel Mayuree Naree was struck by two projectiles of unknown origin while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire and damage to its engine room. Three crew members were reported missing and believed trapped, while 20 others were rescued by the Omani navy. Iran's IRGC, in a statement via Tasnim news agency, claimed the ship was "fired upon by Iranian fighters."
- A container ship was reportedly struck by an unidentified projectile approximately 35 nautical miles (64.8 km) north of Jebel Ali, UAE, resulting in a minor fire.
- The Japan-flagged container ship ONE Majesty sustained minor damage from an unknown projectile while anchored approximately 25 nautical miles (46 km) northwest of Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE. The damage was reported above the waterline, and all crew members were safe.
- The Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Star Gwyneth was struck by an unknown projectile approximately 50 nautical miles (93 km) northwest of Dubai, causing hull damage. The crew was reported safe.
- A Liberian-flagged vessel was also reportedly struck on this day.
Tanker Seizures by IRGC
On Thursday, March 4, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy seized two foreign oil tankers in the Persian Gulf near Farsi island. The vessels were seized on claims of smuggling approximately 1 million liters (about 6,300 barrels) of fuel, including diesel. Fifteen crew members from these vessels are currently in the custody of judicial bodies.
On Friday morning, March 5, the IRGC announced the seizure of the Marshall Islands-flagged Talara tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, stating the vessel was in "violation of the law by carrying unauthorised cargo." Reports suggested the tanker was carrying high-sulphur gasoil. The Talara had reportedly departed from Ajman in the UAE en route to Singapore when it was approached by three small boats, after which contact with its crew was lost approximately 20 nautical miles off Sharjah's Khorfakkan port.
Strait of Hormuz Status and Navigation Warnings
The IRGC declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all ships on February 28, following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets. The warning was subsequently updated to state that any ships attempting passage would be "set ablaze."
The Strait, a critical chokepoint for approximately 20% of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas, has experienced a significant reduction in maritime traffic, with some ships deactivating their transponders.
Reports conflict regarding the navigability of the Strait; however, a U.S. official stated that U.S. monitoring does not corroborate the IRGC's claim of closure. Reuters, citing unnamed sources, reported Iran had deployed mines in the Strait, while U.S. President Trump previously stated on Tuesday that U.S. forces had "hit, and completely destroyed, 10 inactive mine laying boats and/or ships."
The U.S. Navy has reportedly declined requests from the shipping industry for military escorts through the Strait, citing an elevated risk of attacks. However, an IRGC spokesperson later encouraged the U.S. to deploy naval vessels for escorting oil tankers through the Strait, stating Iran "welcomes" their presence. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) advised vessels in the area to "transit with caution and report any suspicious activity."
Broader Regional Tensions and Diplomatic Context
These maritime incidents unfold amidst heightened tensions and ongoing diplomatic and military preparations between the United States and Iran. Diplomatic talks between U.S. and Iranian officials are scheduled to take place in Oman, viewed by some as a final diplomatic effort to prevent potential conflict.
The U.S. maintains that President Trump possesses various military options as Commander-in-Chief. The U.S. administration seeks a broad agenda for discussions, including Iran's ballistic missile range, sponsorship of regional organizations, nuclear program, and the treatment of its population. Iran, however, aims to limit discussions primarily to its nuclear program, which the U.S. proposes would involve Iran committing to zero uranium enrichment for three years, followed by a limit below 1.5 percent, and the transfer of its current stockpile of highly enriched uranium to a third country.
Military buildups have been reported by both sides. The U.S. has deployed over 100 cargo aircraft to the Middle East in recent weeks, transporting additional forces, including Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems, F-15E Strike Eagles, E/A-18G Growler electronic warfare jets, and A-10 Thunderbolt close support aircraft. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, carrying F-35C stealth fighters and other jets, is among 10 U.S. Navy ships in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) region.
Admiral Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations, stated that U.S. forces possess a significant "overmatch" in capabilities compared to Iran's threats.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps General Hossein Daghighi issued a warning, stating that if the U.S. were to attack, Israel would be the primary target, describing it as "America's weak spot in the region," and that all U.S. bases in the region would be targeted. Iran's Army spokesman, Amir Akraminia, asserted that U.S. bases are easily accessible and vulnerable. Satellite imagery indicates Iran is fortifying its nuclear facilities, with dirt being placed at the entrance to the Isfahan nuclear site.
Israel has reiterated its commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and has reportedly been requested by the U.S. to refrain from unilateral military action against Iran ahead of the talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly met with security heads to discuss the tensions.
The escalating situation has impacted global markets, with oil prices surpassing $100 per barrel on Thursday, and major maritime insurers announcing intentions to suspend coverage for ships operating in Iranian waters and specific areas of the Gulf.
Additional Regional Damage Reports
Satellite imagery has also revealed damage from recent incidents impacting a major Saudi oil refinery, an Iranian nuclear facility, and Iranian naval assets. The Ras Tanura oil refinery in Saudi Arabia, owned by Saudi Aramco, was temporarily closed following an Iranian drone attack, though Saudi Arabia reported intercepting two drones and no civilian injuries.
At Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, a site associated with the nation's enrichment program, analysis of imagery indicated damage to two personnel entrances and one vehicle access ramp at the underground site. The facility has been reported as non-operational since it was bombed by the U.S., but analysis indicated it potentially still contains enriched uranium cylinders, related equipment, or recoverable centrifuges.
Additional imagery shows damaged Iranian navy vessels at Bandar Abbas port, a strategic location on the Strait of Hormuz, with significant black smoke observed rising. One source of smoke appeared to be a ship identified as potentially the IRIS Kurdistan, a converted oil tanker.
The United States has claimed to have sunk 11 Iranian ships in the Gulf of Oman since the conflict began.