Iran Seizes 'Floating Armoury' Ship in Gulf of Oman Amid Rising Tensions

Iranian military personnel have reportedly seized a vessel operating as a floating armoury in the Gulf of Oman. Identified as the Honduras-flagged Hui Chuan, the ship was last tracked northeast of Fujairah, UAE, and is now bound for Iranian territorial waters, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. The vessel, which stored weapons for maritime security firms, was confirmed seized by risk management company Vanguard. This incident follows a separate attack on an Indian-flagged livestock carrier, the Haji Ali, which sank off Oman after a suspected drone or missile strike. All fourteen crew members were rescued by Omani authorities. The escalating maritime insecurity has drawn high-level diplomatic attention, with US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussing the situation in Beijing. Both leaders emphasized the necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for energy flows, with China opposing further militarization. These events highlight growing tensions in a critical global shipping chokepoint, raising concerns about regional stability and the safety of commercial maritime operations.