US Navy surveillance footage shows the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) seizing the Panama-flagged oil tanker Niovi as it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz on May 3, 2023. This is the second seizure of US affiliated oil tanker in a week. The IIRGC fast attack craft then forced the tanker to head into Iranian territorial waters.

A US Navy 5th Fleet statement said: “Iran’s actions are contrary to international law and disruptive to regional security and stability ... Iran’s continued harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights in regional waters are unwarranted, irresponsible and a present threat to maritime security and the global economy.”

About the Author

Will Killmore

Will Killmore is a US Army combat infantry veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He has deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 172nd Stryker Brigade and 173rd Airborne Brigade. Following his time in service, he successfully pursued a certificate of journalism and has been a blogger for Funker530 since 2014. Follow Will’s bad takes on Twitter