Exclusive | The United States, its Allies, and Partners Will Respond to Iran's Aggression

A spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, in response to a Voice of America reporter regarding the U.S. Navy's reaction to Iran's attempt to seize two ships, stated: "We appreciate the exceptional efforts of Central Command Navy to prevent the seizure of two more oil tankers by Iran." This senior National Security Council official added: "The United States, along with its allies and partners in the world and the Middle East, will respond to Iran's aggression to ensure the freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and other vital waterways." The U.S. Navy announced on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic attempted to seize two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz early Wednesday morning and even fired at one of them. The U.S. Navy's statement indicated that in both instances, Iranian naval vessels retreated after the U.S. Navy's response, and both commercial ships continued their journeys. Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, commented on the incident, stating that the Islamic Republic of Iran made attempts to seize commercial tankers that were legally passing through international waters. He said: "The U.S. Navy responded immediately and prevented their capture." According to the Associated Press, he noted that the gunfire directed at the second ship did not result in casualties or significant damage. A maritime intelligence organization named Ambrey reported that the second ship, which was fired upon, was Greek-owned and sailing under the Bahamian flag. This vessel, managed by an American company, was transporting oil from the UAE to Singapore. The organization stated that the gunfire occurred twenty-eight nautical miles north of Muscat, the capital of Oman. The U.S. Navy claims that in the past two years, Iran has seized at least five commercial vessels and harassed several others, with most of these actions taking place in the Strait of Hormuz. It is noteworthy that according to IRNA, the Islamic Republic's news agency, "a knowledgeable defense source in Iran has denied this matter."