Tanker Hijacking, Nuclear Tensions, and GPS Interference in the Middle East
Reports citing U.S. intelligence indicate Israel is making preparations for a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.
MIDDLE EAST — Between May 10 and 20, 2025, four incidents in the Middle East highlighted interconnected challenges in maritime security and nuclear tensions.
On May 10, 2025, a vessel reported a small craft colliding with it 80 nautical miles (148 km) northwest of Jebel Ali, UAE, according to a UKMTO Advisory, marking an early instance of maritime harassment in the region.
On May 18, 2025, at 13:55 UTC, UKMTO Advisory 006-25 noted GPS interference near Bandar Lengeh, Iran, disrupting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
On May 20, 2025, at 17:17 UTC, a Panama-flagged tanker was reported to have been hijacked 51 nautical miles (94 km) northwest of Bandar-e Jask in the Gulf of Oman, according to Ambrey, a British maritime security firm specializing in global risk management.
Concurrently, mainstream media reports cited U.S. intelligence indicating Israel is making preparations for a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.