The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Army Navy has seized a Panama-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz for the second time in a week. The tanker, named Niovi, was en route from Dubai to Fujairah Port in the United Arab Emirates when it was intercepted by the Iranian military at 06:20 local time. The Revolutionary Guards Army Navy instructed the tanker to change course and warned it to withdraw to Iranian territorial waters. The US Navy has issued a statement condemning Iran’s actions, stating that they violate international law and pose a threat to regional security. According to the US Navy, Iran has harassed 15 internationally flagged merchant ships over the past two years.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi issued a stern warning to the UK, Germany, and France, accusing them of making a “new strategic mistake” regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. In a social media post, Arakchi said, “Iran will give a tough and determined response to the violation of its rights,” criticizing the European trio for backing a resolution against Iran at the IAEA Board of Governors.
Arakchi condemned the move as baseless, recalling past disputes in 2005 which led to the expansion of Iran’s uranium enrichment. “Have these three really not learned any lessons in the last twenty years?” he said.
Meanwhile, the IAEA reported on May 31 that Iran’s 60% enriched uranium stockpile had grown from 274.8 kg in February to 408.6 kg by May 17. In response, the UK, Germany, and France are reportedly preparing to refer Iran’s file to the UN Security Council, which could activate the “snapback” mechanism and reimpose UN sanctions.
TR