Ship Seizure Near Hormuz Escalates Fears Over Global Oil Route

A ship anchored off the United Arab Emirates was seized and taken toward Iran, while another cargo vessel near Oman sank after an attack, authorities said, as tensions escalated around the Strait of Hormuz, Adam Schreck and Melanie Lidman reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The seized vessel was taken by unauthorized personnel while anchored about 38 nautical miles northeast of the UAE port of Fujairah, a major oil-export terminal. (Photo: Port of Fujairah)

Officials did not immediately identify those responsible for the incidents.

The developments came as senior Iranian officials reiterated claims of authority over the strategic waterway and asserted the right to seize oil tankers linked to the United States.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, previously carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments before the conflict intensified.

Disruptions in the area have rattled global energy markets and sharply increased fuel prices worldwide.

The instability comes as President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The White House said both countries agreed the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to international shipping.

Last week, tensions in the strait escalated further when US forces reportedly fired upon and disabled Iranian oil tankers accused of attempting to breach a blockade of Iranian ports.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said the seized vessel was taken by unauthorized personnel while anchored about 38 nautical miles northeast of the UAE port of Fujairah, a major oil-export terminal.

British authorities said the ship was moving toward Iranian waters.