Iran seizes foreign oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Navy has detained a foreign oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the vessel of fuel smuggling. Iranian state media reported this with reference to representatives of the judiciary.
According to official information, the tanker was carrying about 4 million litres of fuel. During the operation, 16 foreign crew members were detained, but Tehran did not disclose their nationality or the flag of the vessel. This was reported by The Public with reference to Euronews.
Iran regularly detains ships in this strategic waterway, citing violations of the law or illegal cargo. Only in November, Iranian forces reported the seizure of another vessel for similar reasons.
The Strait of Hormuz is key to global energy. About 20 per cent of globally traded oil and roughly a quarter of all maritime oil supplies pass through it. Tehran has repeatedly stated that in case of escalation of conflicts, it could restrict shipping in the area, while the US Navy, in particular the Fifth Fleet, headquartered in Bahrain, maintains a permanent presence to protect trade routes.
Tensions between Iran and Western countries have been ongoing for several years. It intensified after the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, as well as a series of incidents with tankers in 2019 and 2024, which the parties viewed as mutual acts of pressure.
Photo screenshot from video
