US Navy rescues Iranian fishing boat from pirates
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.American military officials said yesterday that their Navy had rescued an Iranian fishing boat commandeered by suspected Somali pirates more than 40 days ago.
The rescue comes amid escalating threats from Iran that it could block the Strait of Hormuz – a key oil route – in response to stronger economic sanctions against Tehran over its disputed nuclear enrichment programme.
US officials said that American forces flying off the destroyer USS Kidd responded to a distress call from the Iranian ship. A US Navy team boarded the ship on Thursday and detained 15 pirates who had been holding the 13-member Iranian crew hostage.
The rescue may come as an embarrassment for Tehran as it attempts to flex its own military might with a series of naval exercises near the Strait of Hormuz.
One sixth of the world's oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's threat to close the passage if the West imposes sanctions on its oil exports unsettled an already nervous world oil market.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments