Vessel seized off UAE coast headed for Iranian waters: UK agency

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Thursday that unidentified unauthorized personnel seized a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates and redirected it toward Iranian territorial waters. The maritime agency received a report of the incident approximately 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah.

Investigation Underway

A ship's company security officer informed UKMTO that the vessel had been taken while at anchor and was now bound for Iranian waters. The agency said it continues to investigate the incident and advised vessels in the region to report any suspicious activity, according to the statement. The identity of the vessel and the assailants remained undisclosed immediately following the report.

Regional Conflict

Regional tensions have escalated sharply since the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering retaliation from Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf. The conflict prompted the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments — and has disrupted commercial shipping throughout the region.

Truce Extension

A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, though subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. US President Donald Trump later extended the truce without setting a deadline, but Washington has maintained a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz since April 13.