Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have confirmed the seizure of a tanker in the Gulf waters bound for Singapore for alleged violations, as reported by Iranian state media. The vessel, named Talara and flagged in the Marshall Islands, was carrying petrochemicals when Iranian forces intercepted and redirected it into Iranian territorial waters from its route between Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singapore. The tanker, managed by Columbia Shipmanagement, lost contact on Friday morning near Khor Fakkan in the UAE.
According to a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as broadcasted on Iranian state television, the vessel was found in violation for transporting unauthorized cargo. The IRGC did not disclose specific details of the alleged violations.
The incident marks the first seizure of a tanker by Tehran since the Israeli-U.S. strikes on Iran in June. The U.S. military confirmed awareness of the situation and is actively monitoring it. While the IRGC has previously seized commercial vessels in the Gulf waters citing various maritime violations, the recent operation came as a surprise as Iran had refrained from such actions in recent months.
The vessel, owned by Pasha Finance based in Cyprus, has prompted concerns and efforts to restore contact with relevant parties, including maritime security agencies and the vessel’s owner. Iran’s military activities in the region have been relatively restrained following the Israeli bombing campaign in June, with the last reported vessel seizure taking place in April 2024.