U.S.-Flagged Tanker Approached by Iranian Gunboats in Strait of Hormuz

On February 3, 2026, the U.S.-flagged tanker Stena Imperative was approached by Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz, approximately 16 nautical miles north of Oman. The incident involved three pairs of small armed boats from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, which attempted to hail the tanker via radio, ordering it to stop and prepare for boarding. The Stena Imperative, however, increased its speed and continued on its planned route, maintaining that it never entered Iranian territorial waters. Following the encounter, the vessel was escorted by a U.S. warship.

U.S. tanker approached by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz, security firm saysArmed boats attempt to intercept vessel in Strait of HormuzArmed Boats Attempt to Intercept Vessel in Strait of HormuzLive: Iran and US expected to resume nuclear talks in Turkey on Friday

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime passage for global oil and liquefied natural gas transport, linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. The region has a history of maritime confrontations, particularly between U.S. and Iranian forces. Recent tensions have escalated due to U.S. military deployments in the area, including at least ten warships, as part of a broader strategy to deter Iranian aggression amid ongoing negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program.

Armed Boats Attempt to Intercept Vessel in Strait of HormuzArmed boats attempt to intercept vessel in Strait of HormuzU.S. tanker approached by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz, security firm saysLive: Iran and US expected to resume nuclear talks in Turkey on Friday

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the incident and is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the attempted interception. They advised vessels in the Strait to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity. In contrast, Iranian officials, as reported by Fars news agency, denied the claims of an attempted boarding, asserting that the Stena Imperative had entered Iranian waters without permission but left without any significant incident.

U.S. tanker approached by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz, security firm says

Critics of U.S. military presence in the region argue that such deployments exacerbate tensions and increase the risk of conflict. Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the Emirati president, emphasized the need for direct negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to avoid further confrontations, highlighting the region's history of calamitous conflicts.

Live: Iran and US expected to resume nuclear talks in Turkey on Friday

There are discrepancies regarding the nature of the encounter. While the U.S. and UK reports indicate a serious threat to the Stena Imperative, Iranian sources downplay the incident, suggesting it was a routine warning without any significant security implications. The lack of clarity regarding the vessel's exact location during the encounter adds to the confusion.

U.S. tanker approached by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz, security firm says

U.S. and Iranian officials are expected to hold negotiations later this week, amid heightened military readiness and ongoing discussions about Iran's nuclear program. The outcome of these talks may influence future maritime security dynamics in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. tanker approached by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz, security firm says

• “The vessel is now being escorted by a U.S. warship,” — Vanguard Tech

U.S. tanker approached by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz, security firm says

• “told them two things. No. 1, no nuclear. And No. 2, stop killing protesters. They're killing them by the thousands.” — President Donald Trump

U.S. tanker approached by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz, security firm says