A ship suspected of serving as a "floating weapons depot" has been seized by Iranian forces in the Gulf of Oman, increasing tensions in the strategic Strait of Hormuz region.
According to maritime security company Vanguard, the Honduran-flagged ship "Hui Chuan" was used to store weapons and ammunition for private security companies that protect ships from pirate attacks.
Marine tracking data shows the ship last transmitted its location near the coast of the United Arab Emirates, while British authorities said the vessel was heading towards Iranian territorial waters.
The incident comes just a day after an Indian-flagged ship was attacked off the coast of Oman and subsequently sank. According to reports, the explosion may have been caused by a drone or missile. All 14 Indian crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz was also discussed during the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
