Iran Seizes Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Gulf Tensions
On 18 September 2026, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran detained the Togo-flagged oil tanker Trend in the Strait of Hormuz, citing an illegal passage. This happened after a security report from the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre about a vessel 16 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. This seizure is part of a trend since 28 February 2026, where Iran put a 77-ship blacklist in place and restricted commercial traffic through the strait. Because of this, an Iran-GCC meeting planned for this week in Oman was postponed after a request from Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain chose not to take part.
- Iran detained the oil tanker Trend in the Strait of Hormuz.
- An Iran-GCC meeting in Oman was postponed.
- The US approved a major F-35 fighter jet sale to Saudi Arabia.
US F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
At the same time, the US State Department told Congress about a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35A Lightning II fighters and 49 F135 engines to Saudi Arabia. The US stated this deal would not change the regional military balance. This happens as Houthi forces have seized Mokha and moved toward islands at the Bab al-Mandab strait, claiming strikes against Saudi sites like Khamis Mushait and Yanbu. Saudi Arabia stated it intercepted a drone south of Mecca, while Houthi spokesmen claimed 40 sorties happened against them in one day. A recent drone attack, which Saudi Arabia blamed on militants based in Iraq and former President Donald Trump linked to Iran, led to the temporary closure of the East-West pipeline.
China and Diplomatic Responses
To address these events, China has privately urged Tehran to restrain the Houthis to protect energy routes vital to Chinese industry. Iran stated that regional stability depends on ending the US-Israeli conflict. Meanwhile, Brent crude oil prices have moved between $100 and $110. US-GCC diplomatic meetings are expected during the upcoming UN General Assembly while maritime tensions continue across the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab.