Tehran says Iranian oil tanker entered territorial waters despite US 'warnings, threats'

An Iranian oil tanker managed to enter the country's territorial waters despite “multiple warnings and threats” from the US Navy, Iran’s army said on Tuesday.

"Despite multiple warnings and threats from the US Navy task force, the tanker Sili City, with operational support from the Army’s Navy and in full security, entered Iranian territorial waters after crossing the Arabian Sea last night," the state broadcaster IRIB said, citing the army's public relations department.

The tanker has been stationed in one of the country's southern ports "for several hours now," added the army.

The development came after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Sunday that US naval forces seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman after it reportedly refused to comply with blockade directions.

Iran condemned the seizure and called it an "unlawful" action.

CENTCOM said Monday that American forces have directed 27 commercial vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port since the US naval blockade of Iranian ports began on April 13.

Hostilities in the region have escalated since the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. In response, Tehran retaliated with strikes on Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets.

Pakistan hosted talks between the US and Iran on April 11–12 after brokering a 14-day ceasefire on April 8, which is set to expire on Wednesday evening, Washington time. Efforts for another round of negotiations are underway, though uncertainty remains.

US President Donald Trump says it is “highly unlikely” that he will extend the ceasefire, adding that the Strait of Hormuz will remain blocked until a deal is reached.