Iran reportedly seizes floating armoury ship in Gulf of Oman

A ship used as a "floating armoury" has reportedly been seized by Iranian military personnel in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel stored weapons for companies protecting ships from pirates. Maritime risk management company Vanguard reported the seizure. The UK's Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated the ship is heading for Iranian territorial waters. Ship-tracking data shows the ship, identified as the Hui Chuan, last broadcast its position on Wednesday. It was located 70km north-east of Fujairah in the UAE. BBC Verify cannot confirm the ship's cargo or users. These floating armouries are often stationed in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Gulf of Oman. This allows security guards easy access to weapons and ammunition. The Hui Chuan has spent the past month near the coasts of Oman and the UAE. This event follows an attack on another ship on Wednesday. An Indian-flagged vessel, the Haji Ali, was attacked off the coast of Oman. Indian officials reported it "reportedly sank" after a suspected drone or missile strike. Thankfully, all Indian crew members are safe. Oman's Coast Guard rescued them. The Haji Ali left Somalia on May 6. Its destination was Sharjah in the UAE. The ship was carrying livestock. A fire broke out, forcing the crew to abandon it before it sank. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is a key global trade route. It handles a significant portion of the world's oil shipments. Talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday touched on the region. Both leaders agreed the Strait of Hormuz must remain open. This ensures the free flow of energy. The seizure, if confirmed, could escalate regional tensions. It may also affect maritime security operations in the Gulf. The presence of floating armouries highlights the risks faced by commercial shipping. These risks include piracy and potential state-level actions.