Iran Seizes Floating Armoury Vessel in Gulf of Oman as Maritime Tensions Persist

Iranian military personnel seized the Honduras-flagged vessel Hui Chuan operating as a floating armoury in the Gulf of Oman on May 14, storing weapons for maritime security firms protecting ships from piracy. The vessel is now bound for Iranian territorial waters according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. Fourteen crew members were transferred to Oman Diba Port by Oman Coast Guard, with India Ministry of External Affairs calling the attack unacceptable. The seizure reflects continued Iranian naval assertiveness despite the ceasefire.