Iranian Forces Intercept and Redirect Tanker Carrying High-Sulphur Gasoil towards Iran
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reportedly intercepted the Talara, a Marshall Islands-flagged oil products tanker, and directed it towards Iranian waters on Friday, maritime security sources told news agency Reuters.
The tanker had been carrying high-sulphur gasoil from Sharjah to Singapore and was sailing off the United Arab Emirates’ coast when contact was lost. Columbia Shipmanagement, the vessel’s manager, told Reuters that contact was lost at around 0822 local time, adding that it was working with “maritime security agencies and the vessel’s owner” to re-establish communication.
UK Maritime Agency Cites ‘State Activity’
Britain’s UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said the incident “is believed to be state activity”, reporting that the tanker was moving into Iranian territorial waters. British maritime risk group Vanguard also reported that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards redirected the vessel towards the Iranian coast.
Marine Traffic data showed the tanker‘s last signal near Iran around 0810 GMT. The UAE and Iran’s foreign ministries did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
US Official Confirms Seizure in Strait of Hormuz
A US defence official told the Associated Press (AP) that Iranian forces seized the Talara as it travelled through the Strait of Hormuz from Ajman to Singapore. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence findings. US Navy MQ-4C Triton drone observed the incident for several hours. Private security firm Ambrey told AP that three small boats approached the tanker during the seizure.
Columbia Shipmanagement also told AP it had “notified the relevant authorities” and that “the safety of the crew remains our foremost priority”.
Context: Heightened Tensions in Strait of Hormuz
The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions following a 12-day conflict in June between Iran and Israel, during which US President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Around one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The US Navy’s Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet continues patrols to keep the waterway open.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region, with concerns over maritime security and potential escalation.
Original Article: Iranian forces intercept, move tanker with high-sulphur gasoil towards Iran: Maritime security sources — Indianexpress