Maritime security sources told Reuters news agency that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard intercepted the Marshall Islands-flagged Talara oil products tanker and directed it towards Iranian waters on Friday.
Columbia Ship Management said the tanker was carrying high sulfur gas oil from Sharjah to Singapore and was sailing off the coast of the United Arab Emirates when contact with it was lost. Reuters.
“Contact was lost around 0822 local time,” the company said, adding that it was working with “maritime security agencies and the ship owner” to restore contact.
The ship is owned by Pasha Finance, based in Cyprus.
British Maritime Agency refers to “state activity”
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said the incident was “believed to be state activity” and stated that the tanker was moving into Iranian territorial waters.
British marine risk group Vanguard also reported that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard redirected the ship towards the Iranian coast.
Marine Traffic data showed the tanker’s last signal near Iran at around 0810 GMT. The UAE and Iranian Foreign Ministries did not respond to this Reuters“Requests for comment.
An American official confirms the seizure of oil in the Strait of Hormuz
A US defense official told… Associated Press (AFP) Iranian forces captured Talara as it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz from Ajman to Singapore. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the intelligence findings.
The US Navy’s MQ-4C Triton drone monitored the incident for several hours. Private security company Ambrey told the Associated Press that three small boats approached the tanker as it was being seized.
Columbia Ship Management also told the AP that it had “notified the relevant authorities” and that “the safety of the crew remains our top priority.”
However, Iran has detained several foreign-flagged ships in recent years over allegations of maritime violations. The latest incident comes amid rising tensions following the 12-day conflict in June between Iran and Israel, during which US President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
About a fifth of the world’s traded oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet stationed in Bahrain continues its patrols to keep the waterway open.
(Tags for translation)Iran
