Iran Denies Hijacking Panama-Flagged UAE-Linked Tanker Near Gulf of Oman

A Panama-flagged tanker linked to UAE products reportedly issued a hijack distress call near the Iranian port of Bandar-e Jask, approximately 51 nautical miles northwest of the port. The British maritime security firm Ambrey initially reported the incident as a hijacking, raising regional security concerns, but later clarified that the distress call was false. Iran’s Navy denied any involvement in the alleged hijacking, stating that no such incident occurred within its jurisdiction and rejecting the hijacking claims as unsubstantiated media distortions intended to provoke tensions. The tanker is believed to be part of Iran’s so-called "shadow fleet," which operates under sanctions and includes vessels blacklisted by the U.S. Treasury for sanctions violations. This event highlights the complexities of maritime security in the Gulf of Oman and the challenges in verifying and responding to such incidents in volatile waters. The situation remains a reminder of Iran's frequent interdictions of vessels suspected of fuel trafficking, which is a significant economic issue for the country.