U.S. Says Iran Seizes Marshall Islands–Flagged Tanker Near Hormuz

Overview

• The tanker Talara Crude, sailing from the UAE to Singapore, abruptly turned toward Iranian waters after an interception reported near the Strait of Hormuz.
• An anonymous U.S. defense official told AP the vessel was taken and diverted, and flight data showed a U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton surveilling the area for hours.
• UKMTO flagged the event as a suspect incident and indicated possible state activity, while the British military called it probably very selective.
• Maritime firm Ambrey reported three small boats approached the tanker and tracked it about 22 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan before the diversion.
• Ship manager Columbia Shipmanagement said it lost contact with the vessel carrying high-sulfur gasoil, and Iran and UAE authorities have not commented.