Iran seizes tanker, proxy attacks on U.S. troops alarm Pentagon

• Iran seizes control of tanker in the Gulf of Oman as retaliation.

• Iranian-backed proxy groups launch over 130 attacks on U.S. troops in the region.

• The Pentagon calls on Iran to release the seized tanker and crew immediately.

Pentagon Mari The guided-missile destroyer USS Carney in Souda Bay, Greece. The American warship and multiple commercial ships came under attack Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 in the Red Sea, the Pentagon said

AP

The situation in the Middle East has escalated further as Iran seizes control of a tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The seized ship is the same one that the US Justice Department had seized last year for violating sanctions. It was carrying Iranian oil at the time. The move to seize the tanker is seen as retaliation by Iran for the US seizing it a year ago. Iranian state media outlet claims that this action is a response to the previous seizure, although it is contrary to international law. The Pentagon has called on Iran to release the tanker and its crew immediately, citing the Iranian activity as a threat to security and stability in the region.

The tanker in question is flagged to the Marshall Islands, and it has been targeted by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in recent weeks. The Houthi rebels have been conducting attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, and their latest attack on Tuesday was the largest and most complex to date. US and UK naval forces, including F-18s from the carrier USS Eisenhower and guided missile destroyers, successfully shot down 18 drones, two cruise missiles, and a ballistic missile. This demonstrates the escalating tensions and potential for widespread conflict in the region.

In addition to the attacks in the Red Sea, the Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile into a busy international shipping lane in the Gulf of Aden earlier today. This marks the 28th attack by the Houthis in this region since November 19th. The international community, led by the US and its allies, has been deliberating on how to respond to these attacks. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has issued a warning, stating that there will be consequences for the actions of the Houthis.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with his UK counterpart, recently discussed the situation and the actions taken by the Houthis. The ongoing attacks by the Houthis, along with Iran's seizure of the tanker, has heightened tensions in the region. It remains to be seen how the US and its allies will respond to these provocations and maintain security and stability in the Middle East.

The Middle East continues to be a volatile and potentially explosive region as the world awaits a response to the escalating tensions caused by Iran's seizure of a tanker and the ongoing attacks by Iranian-backed proxy groups.