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 travelling from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Singapore.
The IRGC said it was found to be 'in violation of the law by carrying unauthorised cargo', but did not provide details of the violation. Reports suggest it was carrying high-sulphur gasoil.
Iran has periodically seized tankers and cargo ships travelling in and around the Persian Gulf, which is a key global shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas. It has often cited maritime violations such as smuggling or legal issues.
Maritime security company Ambrey indicated the Talara tanker had departed from Ajman in the UAE and was approached by three small boats, leading to a rapid course change before losing contact. As of Friday, the US Navy's 5th fleet, which patrols the area, stated it was actively monitoring the situation, emphasizing commercial vessels' rights to navigate freely.
The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations Centre received reports on the incident and advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity. Iran has historically threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil trade passes, in response to Western sanctions and increased military tensions in the region.
The IRGC said it was found to be 'in violation of the law by carrying unauthorised cargo', but did not provide details of the violation. Reports suggest it was carrying high-sulphur gasoil.
Iran has periodically seized tankers and cargo ships travelling in and around the Persian Gulf, which is a key global shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas. It has often cited maritime violations such as smuggling or legal issues.
Maritime security company Ambrey indicated the Talara tanker had departed from Ajman in the UAE and was approached by three small boats, leading to a rapid course change before losing contact. As of Friday, the US Navy's 5th fleet, which patrols the area, stated it was actively monitoring the situation, emphasizing commercial vessels' rights to navigate freely.
The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations Centre received reports on the incident and advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity. Iran has historically threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil trade passes, in response to Western sanctions and increased military tensions in the region.
