Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed it seized a tanker on Friday morning in the Strait of Hormuz. The Talara tanker, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, was traveling from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Singapore. The IRGC claimed the tanker was found in violation of maritime law by carrying unauthorized cargo, reportedly high-sulphur gasoil.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of Iran's periodic seizures of ships in the Persian Gulf, a crucial global shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas. The IRGC and Iran often cite maritime violations such as smuggling as justification for these actions.
As per reports from maritime security company Ambrey, the Talara tanker deviated course suddenly after being approached by three small boats, prompting fears of a potential security breach. The U.S. Navy's 5th fleet is actively monitoring the situation, insisting that commercial vessels have unimpeded rights of navigation on the high seas.
The owners of the tanker reported losing contact with the crew while the ship was approximately 20 nautical miles from Sharjah's Khorfakkan port. The UK's Maritime Trade Operations Center advised vessels in the region to transit with caution amidst rising tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint through which around 20% of the world's oil passes. Historically, Iran has threatened to block this vital route in retaliation for Western sanctions. These threats have escalated against the backdrop of heightened tensions with the U.S. and Israel, especially during conflicts in the region. In a previous incident in April 2024, the IRGC seized a commercial vessel linked to Israel, further illustrating the precarious state of maritime security in the region.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of Iran's periodic seizures of ships in the Persian Gulf, a crucial global shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas. The IRGC and Iran often cite maritime violations such as smuggling as justification for these actions.
As per reports from maritime security company Ambrey, the Talara tanker deviated course suddenly after being approached by three small boats, prompting fears of a potential security breach. The U.S. Navy's 5th fleet is actively monitoring the situation, insisting that commercial vessels have unimpeded rights of navigation on the high seas.
The owners of the tanker reported losing contact with the crew while the ship was approximately 20 nautical miles from Sharjah's Khorfakkan port. The UK's Maritime Trade Operations Center advised vessels in the region to transit with caution amidst rising tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint through which around 20% of the world's oil passes. Historically, Iran has threatened to block this vital route in retaliation for Western sanctions. These threats have escalated against the backdrop of heightened tensions with the U.S. and Israel, especially during conflicts in the region. In a previous incident in April 2024, the IRGC seized a commercial vessel linked to Israel, further illustrating the precarious state of maritime security in the region.
