On July 30th, 2021, the US and UK navies responded to a distress call from a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel, called the MV Asphalt Princess, reported being harassed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran and the West in the region.
The MV Asphalt Princess is a Panama-flagged tanker that was traveling from Tanzania to the United Arab Emirates when it was approached by several Iranian vessels. The crew reported that they were being harassed and that the Iranians were attempting to board the ship. The crew managed to steer the vessel towards the coast of Oman and sent out a distress call.
The US and UK navies quickly responded to the call and dispatched warships to the area. The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, sent the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier and its strike group to the area. The UK also sent a warship, the HMS Defender, to assist.
The presence of the US and UK navies likely deterred any further action from the Iranian vessels. The situation was resolved peacefully, and the MV Asphalt Princess was able to continue on its journey.
This incident is just one example of the ongoing tensions between Iran and the West in the region. Iran has been accused of attacking several oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman in recent years, including an attack on two tankers in June 2019. The US has also accused Iran of supporting Houthi rebels in Yemen and of being responsible for several attacks on US forces in Iraq.
The US and UK have been working together to maintain security in the region. In June 2021, the two countries conducted joint military exercises in the Gulf of Oman. The exercises were designed to improve coordination between the two navies and to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
The incident with the MV Asphalt Princess highlights the importance of maintaining a strong naval presence in the region. The US and UK navies play a critical role in deterring aggression from Iran and ensuring the safety of commercial vessels in the area.
In conclusion, the response by the US and UK navies to the distress call from the MV Asphalt Princess demonstrates their commitment to maintaining stability in the Gulf of Oman. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran and the West in the region and the importance of maintaining a strong naval presence to deter aggression and ensure the safety of commercial vessels.
