Iran confirms it seized tanker in Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed that it seized an oil tanker on Friday morning in the Strait of Hormuz.

The tanker Talara, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, was heading from the United Arab Emirates to Singapore.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard said he was found to be “violating the law by carrying an unauthorized shipment,” but did not provide details of the violation. Reports indicate that it was carrying high sulfur gas oil.

Iran has periodically detained tankers and cargo ships traveling in and around the Persian Gulf, a major global shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas.

It often referred to maritime violations such as smuggling or legal issues.

Maritime security company Ambry said the tanker Talara had left Ajman in the United Arab Emirates and was heading south through the Strait of Hormuz when three small boats approached it, after which it suddenly deviated from its course.

The US Navy’s 5th Fleet, which patrols the area, said on Friday that it was “actively monitoring the situation.”

“Commercial ships have the right to enjoy largely unimpeded rights of navigation and trade on the high seas,” she added.

The company that runs the ship announced the loss of contact with its crew on Friday morning, while the tanker was 20 nautical miles off the coast of Khor Fakkan Port in Sharjah.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations Center said it had received reports of the incident and advised ships to “cross with caution and report any suspicious activity.”

Iran has threatened for years to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of total oil trade passes, in response to Western sanctions and other measures against it.

Her threats It escalated during the 12-day conflict With Israel in June – as Israel and the United States carried out a bombing campaign on Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran responded by striking Israel.

In April 2024, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard It seized a merchant ship with ties to IsraelThis comes in the wake of the bloody attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria, which was blamed on Israel.