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 unauthorized 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, 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 reported that the Talara tanker had departed from Ajman in the UAE and was approached by three small boats, leading to a sudden course deviation.
The US Navy's 5th fleet, which patrols the region, is actively monitoring the situation, asserting that commercial vessels are entitled to largely unimpeded rights of navigation on the high seas.
Contact was reportedly lost with the Talara's crew while it was 20 nautical miles off Sharjah's Khorfakkan port. The UK's Maritime Trade Operations Centre has advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity. Iran has long threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of traded oil passes, particularly in reaction to Western sanctions.
This incident follows a series of escalating tensions, including Iran's threats and actions during a recent conflict with Israel, which involved attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities. In a notable incident last April, the IRGC seized a commercial ship linked to Israel following an attack on Iran's consulate in Syria.
Iran has periodically seized tankers and cargo ships travelling in and around the Persian Gulf, 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 reported that the Talara tanker had departed from Ajman in the UAE and was approached by three small boats, leading to a sudden course deviation.
The US Navy's 5th fleet, which patrols the region, is actively monitoring the situation, asserting that commercial vessels are entitled to largely unimpeded rights of navigation on the high seas.
Contact was reportedly lost with the Talara's crew while it was 20 nautical miles off Sharjah's Khorfakkan port. The UK's Maritime Trade Operations Centre has advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity. Iran has long threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of traded oil passes, particularly in reaction to Western sanctions.
This incident follows a series of escalating tensions, including Iran's threats and actions during a recent conflict with Israel, which involved attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities. In a notable incident last April, the IRGC seized a commercial ship linked to Israel following an attack on Iran's consulate in Syria.
