Overview
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the tanker was seized Friday and escorted to the port of Makran for inspection.
- Iranian authorities cited an alleged lack of authorization for transporting 30,000 tons of petrochemical products as the reason for the action.
- The ship abruptly altered course toward Iranian waters about 20 nautical miles off the UAE’s Khor Fakkan, and its manager reported loss of contact with the crew.
- UKMTO described the incident as likely state activity, Ambrey reported small Iranian military boats around the vessel, and the U.S. Defense Department labeled it a seizure as the U.S. Navy monitored with a drone.
- The Talara was sailing from the UAE to Singapore under a Marshall Islands flag, with its manager saying it carried high-sulfur fuel oil, and authorities urged heightened caution in the strategic waterway long targeted in past Iranian detentions.