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 reported the vessel was found to be 'in violation of the law by carrying unauthorised cargo', though specific details of the violation were not detailed. It is believed the tanker was carrying high-sulphur gasoil.
This seizure marks a continuation of Iran's pattern of capturing vessels in the vital shipping lanes of the Persian Gulf, a crucial corridor for oil and gas transportation.
Notably, maritime security company Ambrey noted that the Talara had departed from Ajman in the UAE and encountered Iranian forces while making a southward course through the Strait, leading to a sudden course change.
The US Navy's 5th Fleet has stated it is actively monitoring the situation, affirming that 'commercial vessels are entitled to largely unimpeded rights of navigation and commerce on the high seas'. The tanker management revealed they had lost contact with the crew while the ship was approximately 20 nautical miles off Sharjah's Khorfakkan port.
The UK's Maritime Trade Operations Centre is advising vessels to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities following the incident. Iran has long threatened to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, particularly as tensions with Western nations escalate.
In April 2024, the IRGC had also seized a commercial ship purportedly linked to Israel, following heightened tensions in the region due to military conflicts involving Israel and the US striking Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran's threats to close the Strait, through which an estimated 20% of the world's traded oil flows, remain a persistent concern for global maritime safety.
The Talara tanker, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, was travelling from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Singapore. The IRGC reported the vessel was found to be 'in violation of the law by carrying unauthorised cargo', though specific details of the violation were not detailed. It is believed the tanker was carrying high-sulphur gasoil.
This seizure marks a continuation of Iran's pattern of capturing vessels in the vital shipping lanes of the Persian Gulf, a crucial corridor for oil and gas transportation.
Notably, maritime security company Ambrey noted that the Talara had departed from Ajman in the UAE and encountered Iranian forces while making a southward course through the Strait, leading to a sudden course change.
The US Navy's 5th Fleet has stated it is actively monitoring the situation, affirming that 'commercial vessels are entitled to largely unimpeded rights of navigation and commerce on the high seas'. The tanker management revealed they had lost contact with the crew while the ship was approximately 20 nautical miles off Sharjah's Khorfakkan port.
The UK's Maritime Trade Operations Centre is advising vessels to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities following the incident. Iran has long threatened to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, particularly as tensions with Western nations escalate.
In April 2024, the IRGC had also seized a commercial ship purportedly linked to Israel, following heightened tensions in the region due to military conflicts involving Israel and the US striking Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran's threats to close the Strait, through which an estimated 20% of the world's traded oil flows, remain a persistent concern for global maritime safety.
