Iranian Ships Try to Block U.K. Tanker in Strait of Hormuz U.K. says the Iranian vessels turned away after the HMS Montrose intervened By Rory Jones
https://www.wsj.com/articles/three-iranian-vessels-tried-to-block-u-k-ship-from-passing-through-strait-of-hormuz-11562822874?cx_testId=30&cx_testVariant=cx_1&cx_artPos=0#cxrecs_s
DUBAI—Iranian ships attempted to impede the passage of a U.K.-flagged commercial vessel through the Persian Gulf, the British Defense Ministry said, a move that threatens to escalate already high tensions in the region.
Three Iranian vessels tried to block the BP PLC -run tanker British Heritage in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday but were turned away by the presence of a U.K. warship, according to the ministry.
The incident is likely to further spook international shipping markets and investors and could accelerate U.S. moves to build a coalition of states to protect commercial vessels near Iranian waters, after a series of attacks on ships in recent months.
Front-month West Texas Intermediate futures recently were up 0.5% to $60.69, while Brent futures were 0.4% higher at $67.26.
The British Royal Navy frigate, HMS Montrose, issued verbal warnings to the Iranian ships before they backed away, the ministry said Thursday.
“We are concerned by this action and continue to urge the Iranian authorities to de-escalate the situation in the region,” it said, adding that the attempt to block the British Heritage’s passage contravened international law.
A spokesman for the ministry added that the British Heritage had since left the Persian Gulf.
BP didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
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