Why did Iran seize a US-bound oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman?
Al JazeeraNov 25, 2022
The Facts
Iran seized a Panamanian-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, claiming the vessel violated Iranian waters as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to escalate.
This is the second such capture in recent days by Tehran. The US Navy said Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp surrounded the tanker and forced it to reverse course and head toward Iranian territorial waters off the coast of Bandar Abbas, Iran; the Navy published pictures of a dozen Guard vessels surrounding the tanker.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The Iranian regime's seizure of yet another oil tanker while passing through international waters, reinforcing its blatant aggression in the region, is further evidence that it is time to end the appeasement of Iran. This latest destabilizing incident should be a wake-up call for the US to finally resume seizing Iranian oil and gas shipments to safeguard global energy markets and the international community.
Establishment-critical narrative
The seizure of a cargo ship by the Iranian Navy is the latest escalation between Washington and Tehran. Both countries should reaffirm their support for international maritime law and stop these seizures and confiscation of cargo on the high seas. It's time to reaffirm global maritime norms over more narrow geopolitical interests. The US has an obligation to act more responsibly here in addition to Iran.
