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, with reports suggesting it was carrying high-sulphur gasoil.
Iran has periodically seized tankers and cargo ships traveling in and around the Persian Gulf, which is a key global shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas. The country has often cited maritime violations such as smuggling or legal issues.
Maritime security company Ambrey mentioned that the Talara tanker had departed from Ajman in the UAE and was heading south through the Strait of Hormuz when approached by three small boats, leading to a sudden course deviation.
The U.S. Navy's 5th fleet, which patrols the region, announced it was actively monitoring the situation and reiterated that commercial vessels are entitled to largely unimpeded rights of navigation and commerce on the high seas.
The tanker’s management company reported losing contact with the crew on Friday morning while the vessel was about 20 nautical miles off the coast of 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 approximately 20% of all traded oil passes, often in response to Western sanctions. The chances of confrontation rose during the recent conflict involving Israel and Iran, with heightened threats and military activity reported.
In April 2024, the IRGC had previously seized a commercial ship with links to Israel, indicating the ongoing volatility and precarious nature of maritime security in the region.
