World

Iran forces Marshall Islands-flagged cargo ship to Iranian port: US officials

US claims one of the Iranian vessels "fired shots" across the bow of the Maersk Tigris

Afp April 28, 2015

iranian warships regularly conduct military drills in the strait of hormuz where a third of the world 039 s traded oil supplies pass through the narrow sea passage photo afp

Iranian warships regularly conduct military drills in the Strait of Hormuz -- where a third of the world's traded oil supplies pass through the narrow sea passage PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON: Iranian naval ships fired across the bow of a Marshall Islands-flagged cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, and forced it to head to Iranian territory, US defense officials said.

At least five Iranian ships demanded that the Maersk Tigris, which had no Americans on board, head to Larak Island.

The cargo ship's captain "declined" the demand and one of the Iranian vessels "fired shots" across the bow of the Maersk Tigris, Pentagon spokesman Colonel Steven Warren said.

The cargo ship then "complied with the Iranian demand and proceeded into Iranian waters in the vicinity of Larak Island," Warren said.

The US military's Central Command ordered a naval destroyer to the area and military aircraft were monitoring the situation, he said.

The destroyer was directed "to proceed at best speed to the nearest location of the Maersk Tigris," he said.

The incident occurred at about 0900 GMT in the Strait of Hormuz in Iranian territorial waters.

Read: Saudi-led strikes kill at least 12 Yemeni rebels

The confrontation came amid heightened tensions in the region as Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies carry out air strikes in Yemen against Iranian-backed Huthi rebels.

The United States is providing intelligence and aerial refueling for the Saudi-led coalition.