Iranian-backed forces suspected of tanker hijacking off UAE coast

Panama-registered Asphalt Princess was reportedly seized by eight to nine armed individualsIranian-backed forces are suspected of being behind the seizure of a tanker off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, after Britain’s maritime trade agency reported a “potential hijack” in the area on Tuesday by eight to nine armed individuals.Maritime security sources identified the vessel as the Panama-flagged asphalt tanker that was reportedly intercepted in an area in the Arabian Sea