By Meg Wagner, Mike Hayes, Elise Hammond and Joshua Berlinger, CNN
From CNN's Barbara Starr
Iran has also seized a second tanker, the Liberian-flagged MV Mesdar, according to a US official. Two more US officials tell CNN that, according to maritime intelligence reports, the indication is the Mesdar has been seized.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced earlier that its navy has captured a British-flagged tanker ‘Stena Impero’ in the Strait of Hormuz.
The order of seizure of the two ships isn’t clear at this time.
From CNN’s Nada Bashir
The UK Chamber of Shipping said it "condemn unreservedly" the capture of a British tanker.
Here's the statement from CEO Bob Sanguinetti:
We condemn unreservedly the capture of Stena Impero as she transited the Strait of Hormuz earlier today. The action by those involved is in violation of international regulations which protect ships and their crews as they go about their legitimate business in international waters.
Our priority is for the safety and welfare of the crew. We call on the UK Government to do whatever is necessary to ensure their safe and swift return.
This incident represents an escalation. Whilst we call for measured response, it is also clear that further protection for merchant vessels must be forthcoming to ensure enhanced security to guarantee free flow of trade in the region.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its navy has captured the British-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Two US officials also said a British tanker has been seized.
From CNN's Kaitlan Collins
The White House is aware of reports a British oil tanker was seized in the Gulf, a spokesman said Friday.
"We are aware of reports that Iranian forces seized a British oil tanker," national security counsel spokesman Garrett Marquis said in a statement.
"This is the second time in just over a week the UK has been the target of escalatory violence by the Iranian regime," Marquis went on. "The U.S. will continue to work with our allies and partners to defend our security and interests against Iran’s malign behavior."
Tensions between the US and Iran have in recent weeks following several incidents involving tankers and drones.
Here's a look at some of the key events:
CNN’s Max Ramsay
The owner and ship manager for the Stena Impero — the tanker two US defense officials said Iran has seized — released a statement Friday.
They said 23 seafarers are on board the ship, and added that there have been no reported injuries.
Here's the full statement:
Stena Bulk and Northern Marine Management can confirm that at approximately 1600 BST on 19th July UK registered vessel Stena Impero (built 2018, 49,683 DWT) was approached by unidentified small crafts and a helicopter during transit of the Strait of Hormuz while the vessel was in international waters. We are presently unable to contact the vessel which is now heading north towards Iran.
There are 23 seafarers aboard. There have been no reported injuries and their safety is of primary concern to both owners and managers. The priority of both vessel owner Stena Bulk and ship manager Northern Marine Management is the safety and welfare of the crew.
Northern Marine Management has not been able to establish contact directly with the vessel since it was notified of the incident at approximately 1600 Today, 19th July 2019.
We are in close contact with UK government authorities.
From CNN's Kevin Liptak
President Trump spoke Friday with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron as tensions increase in the Persian Gulf.
The White House said the two men discussed "ongoing efforts to ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon."
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it seized the British tanker for "violating international regulations," according to Iran's state-run Press TV.
Meanwhile, the UK said it is “urgently seeking further information” about an incident involving a British oil tanker in the Persian Gulf.
From Barbara Starr and Ryan Browne
The British-flagged tanker "Stena Impero" has been seized, according two US defense officials.
One of the officials said it was taken by Iran.
From CNN’s Nada Bashir in London, and Barbara Starr and Ryan Browne in Washington, DC
The UK is “urgently seeking further information” about an incident involving a British oil tanker in the Persian Gulf, a UK government spokesperson told CNN on Friday.
“We are urgently seeking further information and assessing the situation following reports of an incident in the Gulf,” the spokesperson said.
Two US officials said Friday that the British-flagged tanker "Stena Impero" has been seized. One of the officials said the tanker has been taken by Iran.