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Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps boats tried, failed to seize British oil tanker in Persian Gulf
2019-07-11
Here it comes
[Fox News] Five Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps gunboats tried to seize a British oil tanker in the Persian Gulf Wednesday but backed off after a British warship approached, a senior U.S. defense official told Fox News.

The British warship was said to have been less than 5 miles behind the tanker but soon intercepted the Iranian boats and threatened to open fire. A manned U.S. reconnaissance aircraft was above as well, the official said, adding that Iranian forces left without opening fire.

Navy Captain Bill Urban, spokesman for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), said the military was aware of the reported actions. He added, “Threats to international freedom of navigation require an international solution. The world economy depends on the free flow of commerce, and it is incumbent on all nations to protect and preserve this lynchpin of global prosperity.”

The British frigate was identified as the HMS Monstrose, according to CNN, which was first to report the encounter.

The incident was the latest in a series of provocations between the Islamic Republic and the West. British forces last week seized an Iranian supertanker that officials believed was operating in violation of European Union sanctions. The British Royal Marines captured the vessel in Gibraltar after believing it was trying to provide crude oil to Syria, an ally of Iran.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned that Britain would face repercussions over the seizure.
Oooooohhhhh — so scary. The Sun has pictures, and adds:
One of the officials said: "The Royal Navy HMS Montrose, which was also there, pointed its 30mm deck guns at the boats and warned them over radio, at which point they dispersed."

The other added: "It was harassment and an attempt to interfere with the passage."

A US aircraft was flying overhead at the time and recorded footage of the standoff, the officials said.
The Jerusalem Post has a more anodyne description of the first part of the encounter, though I know which way I’m betting:
The British tanker was crossing into the Strait of Hormuz when the Iranian boats approached. The Iranian ships told the British Heritage tanker that it should change its course and stop in Iranian territorial waters.
Darth Vader also submitted the Sun article, commenting,

An Iranian attempt at "You seize ours, we'll seize yours". Clumsy attempt.

If this is the best they can do, they better go back to sending IEDs to Afghanistan to kill our soldiers.
Posted by:Frank G

#9  So it's not like the seizure mission failed, it's more like the Iranian's ran away screaming like little girls, like kids spooked by spiders, like underdeveloped adults, like immature adults, like screamers.
Posted by: Skidmark   2019-07-11 17:57  

#8  So, if the Iranian boats had been stupid enough to fire on HMS Montrose (trying to get their 72 virgins), would that be considered an attack on the UK? Since the UK is a NATO ally and an attack on one is (supposed to be) an attack on all, would Trump then be justified in attacking Iran? (Like sinking their entire navy)

Also, the Montrose was only five miles away. According to Google, the range of her 4.5" gun is about 15 miles. She could have taken out all five of the boats before they could even fire back.
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia   2019-07-11 17:23  

#7  Next time just sink the bastards.

This has to be stopped now.
Posted by: AlanC   2019-07-11 17:13  

#6  Late for me, early for you?

Later fo me, I think. I’m on Eastern Time.
Posted by: trailing wife   2019-07-11 08:06  

#5  Reports of the loss of British guts is premature

Not by the 'rank and file', just by the elites, AW8197.
Posted by: Mullah Richard   2019-07-11 07:59  

#4  Reports of the loss of British guts is premature.
Posted by: Alistaire Whaviter8197   2019-07-11 07:23  

#3  Ummm...yep.
Late for me, early for you?
Posted by: Skidmark   2019-07-11 01:07  

#2  I think you mean this URL, Skidmark.
Posted by: trailing wife   2019-07-11 01:04  

#1  Five armed Iranian boats attempt to storm British oil tanker in the Gulf hours after Tehran threatened UK ships – but are repelled by Royal Navy frigate who trained their guns on them
Posted by: Skidmark   2019-07-11 00:26  

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