According to the US officials, the oil tanker stopped transmitting its location as it passed near to Qeshm Island, the home of the Islamic Republic’s Revolutionary Guard on Tuesday. The latest event comes after Iran’s failed seizure of another oil tanker last week and two separate attacks on two other ships last month. Speaking on the disappearance of the vessel, Riah, the US official admitted that they feared it had been seized by Iran.
They added: “We certainly have suspicions that it was taken.
“Could it have broken down or been towed for assistance? That’s a possibility.
“But the longer there is a period of no contact, it’s going to be a concern.”
The Riah was travelling from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) although a UAE official insisted that it was not owned by the state or had any of its personnel on board.
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Adding to the apparent mystery of the missing oil tanker, the UAE official admitted that the ship did not emit a “distress call”.
They also added: “We are monitoring the situation with our international partners.”
As of yet, the Islamic Republic has not yet commented on the status of the Riah.
Following the attempted boarding of an oil tanker last week, the British Navy has confirmed that it will increase its naval presence in the region.
READ MORE: Iran crisis: Britain accused of piracy by furious Tehran
Accusing the British-owned oil tanker of entering Iranian waters, the Revolutionary Guard attempted to stop the vessel before the Royal Navy frigate HMS Montrose drove them off.
Moreover, the UK also seized an Iranian-owned oil tanker Grace 1 which the Government accused of heading for Syria.
In light of recent events, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has admitted that the UK wants to “de-escalate the situation”.
He added: “This is about Syria and about a breach of the sanctions against Syria, which of course is a country that Iran is active in.”