Vessel seized in Strait of Hormuz Between UAE and Iran

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - A vessel has been seized by "regional authorities" in the waters between the United Arab Emirates and Iran, according to maritime security agencies.

The incident occurred on Saturday, just days after Iran warned it could close the area to sea traffic.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the vessel was seized about 50 nautical miles (92 km) northeast of Fujairah, a location close to the Strait of Hormuz, which forms the entrance to the Persian Gulf.

A British maritime security firm, Ambrey, also reported a "boarding" incident at the same location, but did not provide further details.

Marine tracking sites indicated the vessel may have been the MSC Aries, which is operated by the international shipping company Zodiac Maritime, partially owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer. However, this could not be immediately confirmed.

UKMTO said it could not provide more information when asked if the "regional authorities" were Iran and if the seized vessel was the MSC Aries.

Zodiac Maritime did not respond to requests for comment, and Iranian authorities did not issue any public statement on the incident.

A U.S. defense official acknowledged awareness of the situation reported by UKMTO but would not confirm or deny the name of the vessel.

The seizure comes just days after the naval head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Alireza Tangsiri, said Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz if deemed necessary. Tangsiri cited Israel's presence in the UAE as a threat.

Regional tensions have been rising, with Israel and the U.S. clashing repeatedly with Iranian-aligned groups in the Middle East. Iran has also threatened to retaliate for suspected Israeli airstrikes in Syria.

The incident highlights the potential for further maritime disputes and disruptions to global trade in the strategically important waters between the UAE and Iran.