Iran Seizes Ship in Straits

Iran seems bent on ratcheting up the tensions in the Straits of Hormuz, where most of the world's oil goes on its way out of the Gulf.  Asa Fitch in today's Wall Street Journal [Iran: Ship Seized Over Debt ] desccribes the seizure of the Maersk Tigris by an Iranian gunboat in international waters.  CNN says the gunboat was operated by Iran's Revolutionary Guard rather than its Navy.  The crew is being held on the ship near the harbor at Bandar Abbas.  An Iranian spokesperson said the ship was taken to settle a 14-year old debt, as unlikely as that might be.  This is a barely rational explanation in light of all the other things going on in that area.  

Last week the Iranians had surrounded a U. S. registered freighter, the Maersk Kensington, but backed off before making any attempt to board it.  The U.S. has sent an aircraft carrier to the region and has the firepower to make it difficult for small boats.  The little tit for tat has gotten the attention of most of the countries in the Middle East and they are starting to take sides.  That, and the escalation of hostile actions by both sides, will not make things better.