‘To protect national interests’: Iran seizes oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz; claims ship was carrying ‘illegal consignment’

Iran on Saturday confirmed seizing a Marshall Islands–flagged oil tanker as the ship passed through the Strait of Hormuz, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) alleging the vessel was carrying an “illegal consignment.” A statement carried by the official IRNA news agency noted that “the tanker was taken to Iranian waters.” The IRGC added that the seizure followed a court order and the operation was aimed at “protecting Iran’s national interests and resources.” The statement did not clarify what the “illegal consignment” was, provide information about the crew, or indicate the vessel’s next destination. The tanker, identified as Talara, was reportedly carrying 30,000 tonnes of petrochemical products when it was intercepted on Friday. According to the IRGC, the vessel had been en route to Singapore. Private maritime security firm Ambrey described the operation as involving “three small boats.”The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre acknowledged the incident, pointing to possible “state activity” that forced the tanker into Iranian territorial waters. Cyprus-based Columbia Shipmanagement, which manages the Talara, later announced it had “lost contact” with the vessel, which was carrying high-sulphur gasoil. No further update has been issued. The seizure comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Tehran warning of retaliation following a 12-day war with Israel in June that also saw US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran has previously been blamed for multiple attacks on commercial vessels — from limpet mine strikes in 2019 to a 2021 drone attack that killed two crew members — as well as the seizure of two Greek tankers in 2022 and the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries in April 2024. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint through which about 20% of global oil trade passes, remains a focal point in Iran’s standoff with the West. The US Navy’s Bahrain-based 5th Fleet continues to patrol the region to maintain maritime security.(With AP inputs)