WASHINGTON
The Iranian Navy attempted to intercept a Singapore-flagged ship in international waters, U.S. officials said Thursday.
“We're certainly aware of that incident and are following it,” State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke told reporters. “We are very concerned about the free flow of commerce and the freedom of navigation.”
Thursday’s showdown stems from a legal dispute between Iran and the Singapore-flagged Alpine Eternity, according to a U.S. official with knowledge about the matter.
The incident in question occurred March 22 when the Alpine Eternity allegedly hit an Iranian-owned oil platform, the official said, adding that Iran claims the ship is liable for damages.
Tensions have run high in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters following a series of naval engagements between Iran and international ships. Iran seized a Marshall Islands-flagged ship late last month in the Strait of Hormuz, and has sent a ship headed for Yemen with disputed cargo, which some claim may contain supplies for Houthi rebels.
The Marshall Islands-flagged ship, the Maersk Tigris, has since been released.
But the U.S. Navy has stepped up its presence in the region, and now accompanies all U.S. and UK ships in the strait.
