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Iran’s Guards Confirm Seizure of Marshall Islands-Flagged Tanker in Strait of Hormuz

Tehran cites a court order to justify confiscating what it calls an unauthorized petrochemical cargo.

Overview

  • The IRGC said it intercepted the tanker Talara under a judicial order and moved it into Iranian waters, alleging a violation for carrying 30,000 tonnes of petrochemicals.
  • The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel departed Ajman in the UAE bound for Singapore with high-sulphur gasoil, according to company statements and Iranian state media.
  • Manager Columbia Shipmanagement reported losing contact at about 08:22 local time roughly 20 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan and said crew safety remains the priority.
  • Security firm Ambrey reported three small boats approached the ship before a sudden course deviation, while UKMTO assessed that possible state activity forced the turn toward Iran.
  • The U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet said it is actively monitoring the situation, with AP flight data showing a U.S. MQ-4C Triton observing the incident, in what analysts describe as the first such interdiction in the strait in over a year.