<p>A security agency on Tuesday reported a "potential hijack" on a vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, five days after an attack on a tanker left two dead.</p>.<p>United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations initially reported a "non-piracy" incident on the unnamed ship before upgrading its description.</p>.<p>Maritime security analysts at Dryad Global and Aurora Intelligence identified the endangered ship as the Panama-flagged Asphalt Princess.</p>.<p>The MarineTraffic website, which categorises it as an asphalt and bitumen tanker, said it was travelling to Sohar, a port on Oman's northern coast.</p>.<p>The incident at the opening of the Strait of Hormuz -- one of the world's busiest waterways -- comes days after an attack on an Israeli-linked tanker bound for the UAE, which the United States and its allies blamed on Iran.</p>.<p>Two crew members of the Japanese-owned, Liberian-flagged oil tanker, MT Mercer Street, which is managed by a prominent Israeli businessman's London-based company, were killed in an apparent drone attack, the United States and Israel said.</p>.<p>US Navy forces who came to the aid of the crew in response to an emergency distress call saw evidence of the attack, the US military said.</p>.<p>Washington has called for a collective response against Tehran over last week's attack. The Iranian authorities have denied any involvement.</p>.<p>Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tuesday that "reported 'incidents' in the Persian Gulf and broader region appear utterly suspicious", in a message on Twitter.</p>.<p>"Reaffirming our strong commitment to regional stability and maritime security, Iran stands ready to offer assistance in case of any maritime accidents," Khatibzadeh added.</p>
<p>A security agency on Tuesday reported a "potential hijack" on a vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, five days after an attack on a tanker left two dead.</p>.<p>United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations initially reported a "non-piracy" incident on the unnamed ship before upgrading its description.</p>.<p>Maritime security analysts at Dryad Global and Aurora Intelligence identified the endangered ship as the Panama-flagged Asphalt Princess.</p>.<p>The MarineTraffic website, which categorises it as an asphalt and bitumen tanker, said it was travelling to Sohar, a port on Oman's northern coast.</p>.<p>The incident at the opening of the Strait of Hormuz -- one of the world's busiest waterways -- comes days after an attack on an Israeli-linked tanker bound for the UAE, which the United States and its allies blamed on Iran.</p>.<p>Two crew members of the Japanese-owned, Liberian-flagged oil tanker, MT Mercer Street, which is managed by a prominent Israeli businessman's London-based company, were killed in an apparent drone attack, the United States and Israel said.</p>.<p>US Navy forces who came to the aid of the crew in response to an emergency distress call saw evidence of the attack, the US military said.</p>.<p>Washington has called for a collective response against Tehran over last week's attack. The Iranian authorities have denied any involvement.</p>.<p>Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tuesday that "reported 'incidents' in the Persian Gulf and broader region appear utterly suspicious", in a message on Twitter.</p>.<p>"Reaffirming our strong commitment to regional stability and maritime security, Iran stands ready to offer assistance in case of any maritime accidents," Khatibzadeh added.</p>