Iran's Revolutionary Guard Seizes Tanker in Strategic Waters

Sun Nov 16 2025 01:54:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has confirmed the seizure of the Talara tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, citing violations of maritime law while escalating tensions in the region.

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized the Talara, a tanker registered under the Marshall Islands, in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC claims the vessel was involved in unauthorized transport of goods, initially reported to be high-sulphur gasoil. The incident adds to a series of maritime confrontations in a region vital for global oil transport, as the U.S. Navy monitors developments closely.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed it seized a tanker on Friday morning in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Talara tanker, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, was travelling from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Singapore.

The IRGC stated the vessel was found to be in violation of the law by carrying unauthorised cargo, but did not disclose further details of the alleged violation. Reports suggest it was transporting high-sulphur gasoil.

Iran has a history of seizing tankers in this strategic maritime region, often citing maritime violations, such as smuggling or legal infractions.

According to maritime security firm Ambrey, the Talara tanker, which had departed from Ajman in the UAE, showed sudden course deviation when approached by three small boats prior to its seizure.

The U.S. Navy's 5th fleet, which patrols the area, confirmed it is actively monitoring the situation while reiterating that commercial vessels are entitled to unimpeded rights of navigation and commerce on the high seas.

The company managing the ship reported loss of contact with the crew while the tanker was approximately 20 nautical miles off Khorfakkan port.

The UK's Maritime Trade Operations Centre had received reports regarding the event and recommended vessels to proceed with caution while reporting any suspicious activity.

Iran has consistently threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world's traded oil flows, as a form of retaliation against Western sanctions and actions taken against it.

These threats have intensified amid regional conflicts, including a brief escalation involving Israel that saw mutual aggression over nuclear discussions and military strikes.

In a previous incident earlier this year, the IRGC had seized a vessel linked to Israel following a violent episode connected to diplomatic tensions in the region.