Iran intercepts Maersk vessel: Pentagon

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps navy patrol vessels intercepted a Marshall Islands-flagged Maersk cargo vessel that was in Iranian territorial waters in the strait of Hormuz, the US Pentagon said today.

The M/V Maersk Tigris was transiting inbound in the strait at 5:05 am ET when it was approached by a number of patrol vessels and directed to move further into Iranian territory, the Pentagon said. When the ship's master declined, the Iranian ships fired across the Maersk Tigris' bridge. The Maersk Tigris then proceeded further into Iranian waters near Larak Island.

The US Navy destroyer the USS Farragut sent aircraft to the location, and the US Naval Forces Central Command has been in contact with the shipping company. The US Navy is monitoring the situation.

No US citizens are believed to be aboard the Maersk Tigris, the Pentagon said.

di/dcb

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