The U.S. 5th Fleet has reported that an Iranian warship engaged in firing upon an oil tanker near the coast of Oman before leaving the scene upon the arrival of U.S. naval forces.

The incident took place early on Wednesday, with Iranian warships making attempts to seize two commercial tankers.

Shots were fired by Iranian personnel during their endeavor to take control of the oil tanker named Richmond Voyager, as stated in the Navy’s release, USNI News reported.

In response to the attempted seizures, USS McFaul (DDG-74) and surveillance assets, including an MQ-9 Reaper and Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, were deployed.

The Iranian Navy’s first target was the oil tanker TRF Moss, flying the Marshall Islands flag, at approximately 1 a.m. local time.

Upon the arrival of USS McFaul, the Iranian Navy vessel departed. Three hours later, another Iranian Navy vessel made an attempt to intercept Richmond Voyager, which sailed under the flag of the Bahamas.

Richmond Voyager was in international waters over 20 miles off the coast of Muscat, Oman, when it was approached by the Iranian Navy.

Once again, the Iranian Navy vessel departed when USS McFaul arrived on the scene. The oil tanker sustained no significant damage from the gunfire.

Although some rounds hit the tanker’s hull near the crew’s living spaces, there were no reported injuries, according to the release.

According to the British maritime security firm Ambrey, the Iranians radioed the tanker and instructed it to stop. When the tanker did not comply, the Iranians resorted to firing.

Written by staff