Two Iranian ships have rounded the Cape of Good Hope, appearing to head for the Atlantic Ocean and on to Venezuela, according to reports.
The move presents a significant and aggressive step during a tense moment in relations between the U.S. and Iran.
The two ships – an Iranian frigate and the Makran, an oil tanker that was converted to a floating forward staging base – made their way south along the Eastern coast of Africa and rounded the Cape of Good Hope on Friday.
IRAN WARSHIP, OIL REFINERY BOTH HIT BY FIRES ON SAME DAY
Satellite imagery of the ship from early May provided by Maxar Technologies shows seven fast-attack boats aboard the Makran’s deck, USNI reported.
The final destination is not certain, but the sources say that officials believe the ships are heading for Venezuela: The reason for this trip remains a mystery, as does the ships’ cargo, according to Politico.
Some Biden officials have indicated this week that they are concerned the ships could carry weapons, warning Tehran that the U.S. will act if that does turn out to be the case.
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“The delivery of such weapons would be a provocative act and a threat to our partners in this hemisphere,” read a statement issued by the Pentagon on Wednesday night. “As such, we would reserve the right to take appropriate measures — in concert with our partners — to deter the delivery or transit of such weapons.”along the Eastern coast of Africa and rounded the Cape of Good Hope on Friday.
IRAN WARSHIP, OIL REFINERY BOTH HIT BY FIRES ON SAME DAY
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