DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – A U.S. defense official tells The Associated Press that America “has suspicions” that Iran seized an oil tanker based in the United Arab Emirates that turned off its tracker over two days ago in the Strait of Hormuz.
The official said Tuesday that the MT Riah is in Iranian territorial waters near Qeshm Island, which has a Revolutionary Guard base on it.
The official says: “Could it have broken down or been towed for assistance? That’s a possibility. But the longer there is a period of no contact . it’s going to be a concern.”
The official said that the boat had yet to contact its owners or UAE authorities.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity as the matter did not directly involve U.S. interests.