The Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) confirmed today the seizure of the oil tanker ‘Talara’ in the Strait of Hormuz. This action follows a judicial order issued in Iran to confiscate the vessel’s cargo. Reports emerged yesterday of Iran detaining a tanker flying the flag of the Marshall Islands while it was transiting the strategic waterway.
According to the IRGC, the ‘Talara’ was carrying 30,000 tons of petrochemicals and was en route to Singapore. The vessel was diverted to Iran for further investigation. The IRGC stated that the investigation revealed the seized tanker ‘Talara’ was in violation of unspecified regulations and was carrying an unauthorized cargo.
No further details were provided by the IRGC regarding the alleged violations or the specific nature of the unauthorized cargo.
On Friday, a U.S. official reported that Iranian forces seized an oil tanker flying the flag of the Marshall Islands as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz, forcing it to change course toward Iranian territorial waters. This marks the first incident of its kind in months within this vital maritime chokepoint.
According to the U.S. official, the ‘Talara’ had departed from Ajman in the United Arab Emirates and was heading towards Singapore when it was intercepted by Iranian vessels. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Iranian forces boarded the ship and compelled it to alter its course.
Private maritime security firm Ambrey reported that the operation involved three small boats approaching the tanker before it was taken under control. The incident occurs against a backdrop of similar occurrences in the region. The U.S. Navy has previously accused Iran of being responsible for a series of attacks using limpet mines targeting ships in 2019, as well as a drone attack in 2021 on a tanker linked to Israel.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil supplies, and tensions in the region frequently impact maritime traffic. The seizure of the ‘Talara’ is likely to further escalate concerns about maritime security in the area.
