Iranian Forces Seize US-Sanctioned Tanker Ocean Koi in Gulf of Oman
Iranian forces have detained the Barbados-flagged tanker Ocean Koi (IMO 9255933) in the Sea of Oman, accusing it of attempting to disrupt Iranian oil exports, according to local media reports.
The seizure comes as a surprise move by Iran’s IRGC Navy, which carried out a “special operation” to capture the vessel. The Ocean Koi was subsequently directed to Iran’s southern coast and handed over to judicial authorities, Tasnim News Agency reported.
US Sanctions Against Iranian HSFO Facilitated by Ocean Koi
The 72,768 DWT tanker was sectioned by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in February 2026 for facilitating the transportation of millions of barrels of Iranian high sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) and condensate since May 2025. OFAC designated Ocean Koi‘s owner, Marshall Islands-based Ocean Kudos Shipping Co Ltd, as a blocked entity.
The US sanctions were part of a broader action targeting Iran’s shadow fleet, which has been accused of circumventing international sanctions against the country. The Ocean Koi had operated as part of this fleet since at least 2020, facilitating the transportation of Iranian oil products to various destinations around the world.
Background on US Sanctions and Iran’s Shadow Fleet
The US Treasury’s OFAC designated several entities and individuals in February 2026 for their involvement in the Iranian shadow fleet. The sanctions aimed to disrupt Iran’s ability to circumvent international sanctions and to prevent the flow of illicit funds to support its nuclear program.
Iran has long been accused of using its shadow fleet to evade international sanctions and to transport oil products to various destinations around the world. The country’s naval forces have been involved in several incidents involving tankers suspected of being part of this fleet, including the seizure of the tanker Ocean Koi.
Conclusion
The seizure of the US-sanctioned tanker Ocean Koi by Iranian forces highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran and the international community over the country’s nuclear program and its attempts to circumvent sanctions. The incident also underscores the importance of enforcing international sanctions against countries like Iran that are accused of violating these rules.
Original Article: Iran Seizes Tanker the US Sanctioned for Carrying Iranian HSFO — Shipandbunker