Security consortium calls Iran’s boarding of tanker in Gulf of Oman “blatant violation of international law”

Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel, the operational arm of the eight-member International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), monitored an incident involving Iranian forces who boarded a tanker in the international waters of the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, August 12.

A video captured the moment an Iranian Sea King helicopter hovered above the commercial tanker Wila and armed Iranian personnel fast-roped aboard the ship.

Initial reports indicate two Iranian ships were in the vicinity of the incident.

A CTF Sentinel coalition ship was providing overwatch in the immediate area and monitored the incident. There were no calls for help issued by the tanker.

The IMSC has called Iran’s armed boarding of a commercial vessel in international waters as “reckless, aggressive behavior” and a “blatant violation of international law that undermines freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce.”