Introduction:
The latest ship seizure by Iran near the strategic Strait of Hormuz has once again escalated tensions with the West over its nuclear program. Satellite images recently analyzed by The Associated Press show two oil tankers, the Advantage Sweet and the Niovi, anchored just south of Bandar Abbas near a naval base in Iran’s Hormozgan province. As Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe in maintaining the strength of our naval forces to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Iran Seizes Two Oil Tankers in the Strait of Hormuz
The photos from Planet Labs PBC showed the Advantage Sweet and the Niovi anchored near a naval base in the port city in Iran’s Hormozgan province Saturday. Their capture represents just the latest ship seizure conducted by Iran amid tensions with the West over its rapidly advancing nuclear program, though it appears the two ships may have been taken for different reasons.
Latest Ship Seizures Escalate Tensions with the West
The recent seizure of two oil tankers by Iran highlights the increasing tensions with the West over its nuclear program. The Advantage Sweet carried Kuwaiti crude oil for American energy firm Chevron Corp. of San Ramon, California, at the time of its capture. Meanwhile, the Niovi was seized by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as it left a dry dock in Dubai. Its cargo was suspected to have been sold to firms in China without permission.
Details of the Seized Oil Tankers and Their Cargo
Iran seized the Marshall Islands-flagged Advantage Sweet, staffed by 23 Indians and one Russian, on April 27 as it traveled in the Gulf of Oman. Tehran claimed the vessel had struck another ship, though tracking data for the Advantage Sweet showed no erratic behavior on its trip. The Niovi, a Panama-flagged tanker, was not carrying any cargo, but data from S&P Global Market Intelligence seen by the AP showed the Niovi in July 2020 received oil from a ship known then as the Oman Pride.
Americans for a Stronger Navy: Promoting Peace Through Strength
As tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz, it is more important than ever to ensure the strength and readiness of our naval forces. Americans for a Stronger Navy stands with the Navy community to ensure that we continue to promote peace through strength. Join us in supporting our mission to maintain a strong Navy, and to help inspire and engage Americans to rally behind our cause.
Conclusion
The latest seizure of two oil tankers by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz highlights the need for a strong Navy to ensure peace and stability in the region. As Americans for a Stronger Navy, we stand with the Navy community to promote peace through strength. We urge all Americans to join us in supporting our mission to maintain a strong Navy, and to help inspire and engage others to rally behind our cause.