An anti-ship missile was struck by the United States' forces in Houthi-held Yemen which they claimed was prepared to fire early on Saturday (Jan 27).&nbsp; The missile was struck hours after a British tanker in the Gulf of Aden was struck by the Iran-backed rebels with a similar munition triggering a fire in the oil tanker, which was later doused by the Indian Navy. 
 
Joint strikes have been launched by the US and British forces which are aimed at reducing the ability of Houthis to target vessels that are moving in the key Red Sea trade route. The rebels have claimed to be in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel and Hamas have been engaged in the war. 
 
A series of unilateral air raids have been carried out by Washington, however, the Houthis have vowed to continue carrying out the attacks.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israeli-offensive-intensifies-in-gaza-despite-icj-ruling-684231">Israel-Hamas war: Israeli offensive intensifies in Gaza despite ICJ ruling</a>

The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed to have carried out another strike on Saturday morning (Jan 27) on a Houthi "anti-ship missile aimed into the Red Sea and which was prepared to launch". 
 
"Forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in self-defence," CENTCOM said, in a statement shared on social media platform X. 
 
Houthis' military spokesman Yahya Saree had earlier said that the British oil tanker, named Marlin Luanda, was struck by missiles which were launched by Yemeni naval forces, said the Houthis' military spokesman, Yahya Saree. "The strike was direct, and resulted (in) the burning of the vessel," he said. 
 
Later, CENTCOM, confirming the strike, said, "The ship issued a distress call and reported damage. USS Carney (DDG 64) and other coalition ships have responded and are rendering assistance. No injuries have been reported at this time."

<h2 lang="en-US">Oil tanker on fire in Gulf of Aden</h2>

The Houthis, on Friday (Jan 26), fired an anti-ship ballistic missile towards the Carney in the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, said CENTCOM. 
 
"The missile was successfully shot down by USS Carney. There were no injuries or damage reported," it said. 
 
Earlier, risk monitor Ambrey said that a Panama-flagged oil tanker "reported seeing two blasts" in the Gulf of Aden, which was corroborated by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) of the British Navy. However, no damage was reported on the oil tanker.

Watch: Yemen Houthi rebels escalate Red sea attacks

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/yemen-houthi-rebels-escalate-red-sea-attacks-684134/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The security firm said that the missiles blasted nearly a mile from the India-affiliated oil tanker and 200-300 metres (650-1,000 feet), which was above the waterline. UKMTO said that the missiles were detonated in the water. 
 
In the month of November, the Houthis started targeting Red Sea shipping, stating that they were striking Israeli-linked vessels to express their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>Indian Navy responds to distress call by vessel in Gulf of Aden</h2>

Indian Navy's guided-missile destroyer responded to an SOS call issued by a merchant ship, Marlin Launda, after it was struck by a missile and caught fire in the Gulf of Aden, said the Indian Navy in a statement on Saturday (Jan 27).&nbsp;

There were 22 Indians and a Bangladeshi crew on board. On the basis of the request from MV Merlin Luanda, INS Visakhapatnam sent the Ship's NBCD team along with firefighting equipment to provide assistance to the crew in its firefighting efforts, said the Indian Navy.

"Indian Navy remains steadfast and committed to safeguarding merchant vessels and ensuring safety of life at sea," said the Indian Navy, in the statement.

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Captain Avinash Rawat, Captain of MV Marlin Luanda which came under missile strike: 
 
"Really appreciate the other navies, they also helped us, but it was the Indian Navy who went out of the book &amp; helped us out" <a href="https://t.co/gDSY3PnmAV">https://t.co/gDSY3PnmAV</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1751284463965995126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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After six hours of battling the fire along with the crew of MV Marlin Luanda, the Indian Naval firefighting team&nbsp;successfully brought the fire under control. The team is currently monitoring the situation to rule out any possibility of re-ignition. &nbsp;

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Breaking: First visuals of Indian Navy's firefighting team in action onboard MV Marlin Luanda which came under missile attack. <a href="https://t.co/fcuaQ5RVEP">https://t.co/fcuaQ5RVEP</a> <a href="https://t.co/xHSS9akjdt">pic.twitter.com/xHSS9akjdt</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1751286126055456832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

An anti-ship missile was struck by the United States' forces in Houthi-held Yemen which they claimed was prepared to fire early on Saturday (Jan 27). The missile was struck hours after a British tanker in the Gulf of Aden was struck by the Iran-backed rebels with a similar munition triggering a fire in the oil tanker, which was later doused by the Indian Navy.

An anti-ship missile was struck by the United States' forces in Houthi-held Yemen which they claimed was prepared to fire early on Saturday (Jan 27). The missile was struck hours after a British tanker in the Gulf of Aden was struck by the Iran-backed rebels with a similar munition triggering a fire in the oil tanker, which was later doused by the Indian Navy. Joint strikes have been launched by the US and British forces which are aimed at reducing the ability of Houthis to target vessels that are moving in the key Red Sea trade route. The rebels have claimed to be in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel and Hamas have been engaged in the war. A series of unilateral air raids have been carried out by Washington, however, the Houthis have vowed to continue carrying out the attacks. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Israeli offensive intensifies in Gaza despite ICJ ruling The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed to have carried out another strike on Saturday morning (Jan 27) on a Houthi "anti-ship missile aimed into the Red Sea and which was prepared to launch". "Forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in self-defence," CENTCOM said, in a statement shared on social media platform X. Houthis' military spokesman Yahya Saree had earlier said that the British oil tanker, named Marlin Luanda, was struck by missiles which were launched by Yemeni naval forces, said the Houthis' military spokesman, Yahya Saree. "The strike was direct, and resulted (in) the burning of the vessel," he said. Later, CENTCOM, confirming the strike, said, "The ship issued a distress call and reported damage. USS Carney (DDG 64) and other coalition ships have responded and are rendering assistance. No injuries have been reported at this time." Oil tanker on fire in Gulf of Aden The Houthis, on Friday (Jan 26), fired an anti-ship ballistic missile towards the Carney in the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, said CENTCOM. "The missile was successfully shot down by USS Carney. There were no injuries or damage reported," it said. Earlier, risk monitor Ambrey said that a Panama-flagged oil tanker "reported seeing two blasts" in the Gulf of Aden, which was corroborated by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) of the British Navy. However, no damage was reported on the oil tanker. Watch: Yemen Houthi rebels escalate Red sea attacks The security firm said that the missiles blasted nearly a mile from the India-affiliated oil tanker and 200-300 metres (650-1,000 feet), which was above the waterline. UKMTO said that the missiles were detonated in the water. In the month of November, the Houthis started targeting Red Sea shipping, stating that they were striking Israeli-linked vessels to express their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Indian Navy responds to distress call by vessel in Gulf of Aden Indian Navy's guided-missile destroyer responded to an SOS call issued by a merchant ship, Marlin Launda, after it was struck by a missile and caught fire in the Gulf of Aden, said the Indian Navy in a statement on Saturday (Jan 27). There were 22 Indians and a Bangladeshi crew on board. On the basis of the request from MV Merlin Luanda, INS Visakhapatnam sent the Ship's NBCD team along with firefighting equipment to provide assistance to the crew in its firefighting efforts, said the Indian Navy. "Indian Navy remains steadfast and committed to safeguarding merchant vessels and ensuring safety of life at sea," said the Indian Navy, in the statement. Captain Avinash Rawat, Captain of MV Marlin Luanda which came under missile strike: "Really appreciate the other navies, they also helped us, but it was the Indian Navy who went out of the book & helped us out" https://t.co/gDSY3PnmAV — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 27, 2024 × After six hours of battling the fire along with the crew of MV Marlin Luanda, the Indian Naval firefighting team successfully brought the fire under control. The team is currently monitoring the situation to rule out any possibility of re-ignition. Breaking: First visuals of Indian Navy's firefighting team in action onboard MV Marlin Luanda which came under missile attack. https://t.co/fcuaQ5RVEP pic.twitter.com/xHSS9akjdt — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 27, 2024 × Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Indian Navy douses fire at British oil tanker after US strikes Houthi-linked missile

Iran's top diplomat said on Sunday that only "prudence and foresight" could alleviate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-warship-warned-iranian-forces-against-seizing-tanker-237484">tensions between his country and Britain</a> after Tehran's seizure of a British-flagged oil tanker.

"Having failed to lure @realDonaldTrump into War of the Century, and fearing collapse of his #B_Team, @AmbJohnBolton is turning his venom against the UK in hopes of dragging it into a quagmire," Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter.

"Only prudence and foresight can thwart such ploys."

Britain has called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-probe-into-seized-ship-depends-on-crew-cooperation-237435">Iran's capture of the Stena Impero</a> in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday a "hostile act". Tehran for weeks has vowed to retaliate for the seizure of its Grace 1 oil tanker by British forces for violating European Union sanctions on Syria.

Britain needs to contain "those domestic political forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and the UK well beyond the issue of ships," Iran's envoy to Britain Hamid Baeidinejad said on Twitter.

"This is quite dangerous and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," he said, adding that Iran "is firm and ready for different scenarios."

Britain's junior defence minister Tobias Ellwood did not rule out the possibility of targeting Tehran with sanctions in response.

"Our first and most important responsibility is to make sure that we get a solution to the issue to do with the current ship, make sure other British-flagged ships are safe to operate in these waters and then look at the wider picture," Ellwood told Sky News.

Asked about the possibility of sanctions, he said: "We are going to be looking at a series of options ...We will be speaking with our colleagues, our international allies, to see what can actually be done."

Tehran's seizure of the Stena Impero followed the July 4 capture by Royal Marines of the Grace 1 tanker carrying Iranian oil near Gibraltar.

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Saturday said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising behaviour after Gibraltar’s legal detention of oil bound for Syria."

All crew safe

In a letter to the UN&nbsp;Security Council, Britain said the Stena Impero was approached by Iranian forces in Omani territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

British warship HMS Montrose radioed an Iranian patrol vessel to warn it against boarding the Stena Impero, according to radio messages provided to Reuters by maritime security firm Dryad Global.

Iran said the seized tanker "risked maritime safety" in the Strait of Hormuz, through which almost a fifth of the world's annual oil consumption passes.

"We are required by regulations to investigate the issue ... the duration of the investigation depends on the level of cooperation by the involved parties," Allahmorad Afifipour, head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation in Hormozgan Province, told state TV.

He added that all 23 crew members aboard the ship are "safe and in good health in Bandar Abbas port".

The vessel's Sweden-based owner, Stena Bulk, said it hoped to visit the crew, who are from India, Latvia, the Philippines and Russia. India has called on Iran to release the ship's 18 Indian crew members.

Tehran for weeks has vowed to retaliate for the seizure of the Grace 1 tanker by British forces.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a parliament session aired live on state radio.

Waivers

Iran is feeling the pressure of US&nbsp;sanctions imposed on its banks and oil exports by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump last year after he pulled the United States out of a 2015 international pact with Iran designed to curb Tehran's nuclear program.

US&nbsp;waivers which allowed eight countries to keep buying Iranian oil - China, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey - expired on May 2.

"The export of oil is one of the issues in which we have limitations and the US&nbsp;and its allies have caused restrictions for us and we have to be sensitive," Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said, state media reported on Sunday.

He said the country's oil exports had not been impacted so far by the recent tanker incidents in the Gulf.

Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if it cannot export its oil because of the sanctions but cannot legally do so as part of the waterway is in Oman’s territorial waters.

Ships using the Strait also pass through Iranian waters, which are patrolled by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy.

Oman has urged Iran to release the tanker and called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve differences diplomatically, state broadcaster Oman TV News reported.

"Iran is displaying its power without entering a military confrontation. This is the result of America's mounting pressure on Iran," said an Iranian official, who asked not to be identified.

Iran's top diplomat said on Sunday that only "prudence and foresight" could alleviate tensions between his country and Britain after Tehran's seizure of a British-flagged oil tanker.

Iran's top diplomat said on Sunday that only "prudence and foresight" could alleviate tensions between his country and Britain after Tehran's seizure of a British-flagged oil tanker. "Having failed to lure @realDonaldTrump into War of the Century, and fearing collapse of his #B_Team, @AmbJohnBolton is turning his venom against the UK in hopes of dragging it into a quagmire," Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter. "Only prudence and foresight can thwart such ploys." Britain has called Iran's capture of the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday a "hostile act". Tehran for weeks has vowed to retaliate for the seizure of its Grace 1 oil tanker by British forces for violating European Union sanctions on Syria. Britain needs to contain "those domestic political forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and the UK well beyond the issue of ships," Iran's envoy to Britain Hamid Baeidinejad said on Twitter. "This is quite dangerous and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," he said, adding that Iran "is firm and ready for different scenarios." Britain's junior defence minister Tobias Ellwood did not rule out the possibility of targeting Tehran with sanctions in response. "Our first and most important responsibility is to make sure that we get a solution to the issue to do with the current ship, make sure other British-flagged ships are safe to operate in these waters and then look at the wider picture," Ellwood told Sky News. Asked about the possibility of sanctions, he said: "We are going to be looking at a series of options ...We will be speaking with our colleagues, our international allies, to see what can actually be done." Tehran's seizure of the Stena Impero followed the July 4 capture by Royal Marines of the Grace 1 tanker carrying Iranian oil near Gibraltar. British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Saturday said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising behaviour after Gibraltar’s legal detention of oil bound for Syria." All crew safe In a letter to the UN Security Council, Britain said the Stena Impero was approached by Iranian forces in Omani territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference." British warship HMS Montrose radioed an Iranian patrol vessel to warn it against boarding the Stena Impero, according to radio messages provided to Reuters by maritime security firm Dryad Global. Iran said the seized tanker "risked maritime safety" in the Strait of Hormuz, through which almost a fifth of the world's annual oil consumption passes. "We are required by regulations to investigate the issue ... the duration of the investigation depends on the level of cooperation by the involved parties," Allahmorad Afifipour, head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation in Hormozgan Province, told state TV. He added that all 23 crew members aboard the ship are "safe and in good health in Bandar Abbas port". The vessel's Sweden-based owner, Stena Bulk, said it hoped to visit the crew, who are from India, Latvia, the Philippines and Russia. India has called on Iran to release the ship's 18 Indian crew members. Tehran for weeks has vowed to retaliate for the seizure of the Grace 1 tanker by British forces. "The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a parliament session aired live on state radio. Waivers Iran is feeling the pressure of US sanctions imposed on its banks and oil exports by US President Donald Trump last year after he pulled the United States out of a 2015 international pact with Iran designed to curb Tehran's nuclear program. US waivers which allowed eight countries to keep buying Iranian oil - China, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey - expired on May 2. "The export of oil is one of the issues in which we have limitations and the US and its allies have caused restrictions for us and we have to be sensitive," Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said, state media reported on Sunday. He said the country's oil exports had not been impacted so far by the recent tanker incidents in the Gulf. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if it cannot export its oil because of the sanctions but cannot legally do so as part of the waterway is in Oman’s territorial waters. Ships using the Strait also pass through Iranian waters, which are patrolled by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy. Oman has urged Iran to release the tanker and called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve differences diplomatically, state broadcaster Oman TV News reported. "Iran is displaying its power without entering a military confrontation. This is the result of America's mounting pressure on Iran," said an Iranian official, who asked not to be identified.

Iran's Zarif calls for 'prudence and foresight' as tensions mount with UK

U.S. President Donald Trump said he planned to speak with the UK on Friday (July 19), after Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed it had captured a British oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. "So, we're going to be speaking with the U.K. and this only goes to show what I'm saying about Iran. Trouble. Nothing but trouble," Trump told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House Britain said it was urgently seeking information about the Stena Impero tanker, which had been heading to a port in Saudi Arabia and suddenly changed course after passing through the strait at the mouth of the Gulf.

Trump to speak with UK following report Iran seized British tanker

India is facing the unintended consequence of Iran's tiff with the United Kingdom as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ministry-of-external-affairs-in-touch-with-iran-to-secure-release-of-indians-onboard-seized-british-vessel-237281">New Delhi tries for early release of its citizens</a> from the seized UK oil tanker Stena Impero.&nbsp;

India has 18 of its citizens on the tanker along with nationals of other countries. &nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, said, "Our Mission is in touch with the Government of Iran to secure the early release and repatriation of Indian nationals."

The tanker was seized by Iranian authorities on Friday for "failing to respect international maritime rules", the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC said in a statement.

A British High Commission spokesperson, reacting to WION's question on the safety of Indians on the seized tanker said, "We remain deeply concerned about Iran's actions, and have advised UK shipping to stay out of the area for an interim period."

“We remain in close contact with our international partners and there will be further meetings over the weekend," he added.&nbsp;

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt spoke to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/detained-british-flagged-tanker-must-go-through-legal-process-irans-foreign-minister-237322">Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif</a> and "expressed extreme disappointment" on the seizing of the tanker.&nbsp;

"Just spoke to ... Zarif and expressed extreme disappointment that having assured me last Saturday Iran wanted to de-escalate situation, they have behaved in the opposite way," he tweeted on Saturday.

"This has to be about actions not words if we are to find a way through," Hunt added. "British shipping must and will be protected."

The detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero must go through a legal process because it violated maritime regulations, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt in a phone call on Saturday, the Iranian news agency ISNA reported.

Indians were also present on Iranian ship seized by the UK off the coast of Gibraltar. The Indian authorities have been given consular access to them, with the MEA saying "due process of law will continue."

It is alleged by the authorities in Gibraltar that the Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 was headed to Syria with oil that would have violated sanctions, a charge that Tehran denies. Gibraltar is a British Territory in Europe, surrounded by Spain.

India is facing the unintended consequence of Iran's tiff with the United Kingdom as New Delhi tries for early release of its citizens from the seized UK oil tanker Stena Impero.

India is facing the unintended consequence of Iran's tiff with the United Kingdom as New Delhi tries for early release of its citizens from the seized UK oil tanker Stena Impero. India has 18 of its citizens on the tanker along with nationals of other countries. Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, said, "Our Mission is in touch with the Government of Iran to secure the early release and repatriation of Indian nationals." The tanker was seized by Iranian authorities on Friday for "failing to respect international maritime rules", the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC said in a statement. A British High Commission spokesperson, reacting to WION's question on the safety of Indians on the seized tanker said, "We remain deeply concerned about Iran's actions, and have advised UK shipping to stay out of the area for an interim period." “We remain in close contact with our international partners and there will be further meetings over the weekend," he added. British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt spoke to the Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and "expressed extreme disappointment" on the seizing of the tanker. "Just spoke to ... Zarif and expressed extreme disappointment that having assured me last Saturday Iran wanted to de-escalate situation, they have behaved in the opposite way," he tweeted on Saturday. "This has to be about actions not words if we are to find a way through," Hunt added. "British shipping must and will be protected." The detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero must go through a legal process because it violated maritime regulations, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt in a phone call on Saturday, the Iranian news agency ISNA reported. Indians were also present on Iranian ship seized by the UK off the coast of Gibraltar. The Indian authorities have been given consular access to them, with the MEA saying "due process of law will continue." It is alleged by the authorities in Gibraltar that the Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 was headed to Syria with oil that would have violated sanctions, a charge that Tehran denies. Gibraltar is a British Territory in Europe, surrounded by Spain.

India faces unintended consequences of Iran-UK tiff, tries for early release of nationals aboard seized British vessel 

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ministry-of-external-affairs-in-touch-with-iran-to-secure-release-of-indians-onboard-seized-british-vessel-237281">detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero</a> must go through a legal process because it violated maritime regulations, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt in a phone call on Saturday, the Iranian news agency ISNA reported.

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said he had spoken to his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and expressed his "extreme disappointment" over Iran's seizure of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ministry-of-external-affairs-in-touch-with-iran-to-secure-release-of-indians-onboard-seized-british-vessel-237281">British-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz</a> on Friday.

"Just spoke to ... Zarif and expressed extreme disappointment that having assured me last Saturday Iran wanted to de-escalate situation, they have behaved in the opposite way," he tweeted on Saturday.

"This has to be about actions not words if we are to find a way through," Hunt added. "British shipping must and will be protected."

Iran said on Saturday it had seized a British-flagged oil tanker because it was involved in an accident, an explanation Britain rejected, calling the move a "hostile act".

The action by Iranian Revolutionary Guards in the global oil trade's most important waterway came two weeks after Britain seized an Iranian tanker accused of violating sanctions on Syria. It is certain to be viewed in the West as a military escalation after three months of confrontation which has already taken Iran and the United States to the brink of war.

Iran's Fars news agency said elite Revolutionary Guards had taken control of the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday after it collided with an Iranian fishing boat whose distress call it ignored.

The vessel, carrying no cargo, was taken to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. It would remain there with its 23 crew -- 18 of them Indians -- while the accident was investigated, Iranian news agencies quoted the head of Ports and Maritime Organisation in southern Hormozgan province, Allahmorad Afifipour, as saying.

Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency posted a video of the ship anchored at sea, its name clearly visible.

The strait, between Iran and the Arabian peninsula, is the sole outlet for exports of the vast majority of Middle Eastern oil, and the seizure sent oil prices sharply higher. The United States, which tightened sanctions against Iran in May with the aim of halting its oil exports altogether, has been warning for months of an Iranian threat to shipping in the strait.

In London, British Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt called the incident a "hostile act". The Foreign Office summoned Iran's Charge d'Affaires for an urgent meeting.

France and Germany joined Britain in condemning the seizure.

The three big European countries are signatories to a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers that Washington undermined by quitting last year, setting Iran's already fragile relations with the West on a downward spiral.

"We have learned with great concern of the seizure of a British vessel by Iranian forces," France's foreign ministry said. "We strongly condemn it and express our full solidarity with the United Kingdom."

A German foreign ministry spokesman said further escalation of regional tensions "would be very dangerous (and)... undermine all ongoing efforts to find a way out of the current crisis."

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Friday he would talk to Britain about the seizure.

Under the pact, Iran agreed to restrict nuclear work in return for lifting sanctions. The European countries opposed the Trump administration's decision to abandon the agreement last year, but have so far failed to fulfil promises to Iran of providing alternative means for it to access world trade.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said London's reaction to Friday's tanker seizure would be "considered but robust", and it would ensure the safety of its shipping.

He accused Iran of a tit-for-tat response after the seizure of Iran's Grace 1 tanker in the British territory of Gibraltar at the mouth of the Mediterranean on July 4.

"Yesterday's action in Gulf shows worrying signs Iran may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising behaviour after Gibraltar’s legal detention of oil bound for Syria," Hunt said on Twitter on Saturday.

On Friday, Hunt said the solution would be found via diplomacy and London was "not looking at military options." Britain's government said it had advised British shipping to stay out of the Hormuz area for an interim period.

Not looking for war

The past three months of escalation have seen the United States and Iran come as close as ever to direct military confrontation. In June, Tehran shot down a US&nbsp;drone, and Trump ordered retaliatory air strikes, only to call them off just minutes before impact.

Since British Royal Marines abseiled from a helicopter to seize the Iranian tanker on July 4, a number of Iranian officials had threatened to retaliate. After maintaining his silence for more than a week, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the British action "piracy".

A senior politician and Revolutionary Guards commander, Major General Mohsen Rezai, said on Twitter that Iran was also not looking for war, "but we are not going to come up short in reciprocating".

In New Delhi, India's foreign ministry said it was actively seeking the release of its nationals among the crew.

Operator Stena Bulk said on Friday the tanker had been "in full compliance with all navigation and international regulations", but could not be contacted. It had no further comment early on Saturday.

The vessel had been heading to a port in Saudi Arabia and suddenly changed course after passing through the strait.

The United States has blamed Iran for a series of attacks on shipping around the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran rejects the allegations. Washington also said it had this week downed an Iranian drone near where the Stena Impero was seized.

The United States is sending military personnel and resources to Saudi Arabia for the first time since the US&nbsp;invasion of Iraq in 2003.

The detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero must go through a legal process because it violated maritime regulations, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt in a phone call on Saturday, the Iranian news agency ISNA reported.

The detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero must go through a legal process because it violated maritime regulations, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt in a phone call on Saturday, the Iranian news agency ISNA reported. British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said he had spoken to his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and expressed his "extreme disappointment" over Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. "Just spoke to ... Zarif and expressed extreme disappointment that having assured me last Saturday Iran wanted to de-escalate situation, they have behaved in the opposite way," he tweeted on Saturday. "This has to be about actions not words if we are to find a way through," Hunt added. "British shipping must and will be protected." Iran said on Saturday it had seized a British-flagged oil tanker because it was involved in an accident, an explanation Britain rejected, calling the move a "hostile act". The action by Iranian Revolutionary Guards in the global oil trade's most important waterway came two weeks after Britain seized an Iranian tanker accused of violating sanctions on Syria. It is certain to be viewed in the West as a military escalation after three months of confrontation which has already taken Iran and the United States to the brink of war. Iran's Fars news agency said elite Revolutionary Guards had taken control of the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday after it collided with an Iranian fishing boat whose distress call it ignored. The vessel, carrying no cargo, was taken to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. It would remain there with its 23 crew -- 18 of them Indians -- while the accident was investigated, Iranian news agencies quoted the head of Ports and Maritime Organisation in southern Hormozgan province, Allahmorad Afifipour, as saying. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency posted a video of the ship anchored at sea, its name clearly visible. The strait, between Iran and the Arabian peninsula, is the sole outlet for exports of the vast majority of Middle Eastern oil, and the seizure sent oil prices sharply higher. The United States, which tightened sanctions against Iran in May with the aim of halting its oil exports altogether, has been warning for months of an Iranian threat to shipping in the strait. In London, British Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt called the incident a "hostile act". The Foreign Office summoned Iran's Charge d'Affaires for an urgent meeting. France and Germany joined Britain in condemning the seizure. The three big European countries are signatories to a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers that Washington undermined by quitting last year, setting Iran's already fragile relations with the West on a downward spiral. "We have learned with great concern of the seizure of a British vessel by Iranian forces," France's foreign ministry said. "We strongly condemn it and express our full solidarity with the United Kingdom." A German foreign ministry spokesman said further escalation of regional tensions "would be very dangerous (and)... undermine all ongoing efforts to find a way out of the current crisis." US President Donald Trump said on Friday he would talk to Britain about the seizure. Under the pact, Iran agreed to restrict nuclear work in return for lifting sanctions. The European countries opposed the Trump administration's decision to abandon the agreement last year, but have so far failed to fulfil promises to Iran of providing alternative means for it to access world trade. Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said London's reaction to Friday's tanker seizure would be "considered but robust", and it would ensure the safety of its shipping. He accused Iran of a tit-for-tat response after the seizure of Iran's Grace 1 tanker in the British territory of Gibraltar at the mouth of the Mediterranean on July 4. "Yesterday's action in Gulf shows worrying signs Iran may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising behaviour after Gibraltar’s legal detention of oil bound for Syria," Hunt said on Twitter on Saturday. On Friday, Hunt said the solution would be found via diplomacy and London was "not looking at military options." Britain's government said it had advised British shipping to stay out of the Hormuz area for an interim period. Not looking for war The past three months of escalation have seen the United States and Iran come as close as ever to direct military confrontation. In June, Tehran shot down a US drone, and Trump ordered retaliatory air strikes, only to call them off just minutes before impact. Since British Royal Marines abseiled from a helicopter to seize the Iranian tanker on July 4, a number of Iranian officials had threatened to retaliate. After maintaining his silence for more than a week, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the British action "piracy". A senior politician and Revolutionary Guards commander, Major General Mohsen Rezai, said on Twitter that Iran was also not looking for war, "but we are not going to come up short in reciprocating". In New Delhi, India's foreign ministry said it was actively seeking the release of its nationals among the crew. Operator Stena Bulk said on Friday the tanker had been "in full compliance with all navigation and international regulations", but could not be contacted. It had no further comment early on Saturday. The vessel had been heading to a port in Saudi Arabia and suddenly changed course after passing through the strait. The United States has blamed Iran for a series of attacks on shipping around the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran rejects the allegations. Washington also said it had this week downed an Iranian drone near where the Stena Impero was seized. The United States is sending military personnel and resources to Saudi Arabia for the first time since the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Detained British-flagged tanker must go through legal process: Iran's foreign minister