- IRGC Says Cargo Confiscated Under Judicial Order.
- Iranian Media Claims Illicit Petrochemical Transfer.
- US Central Command Calls Seizure a Violation of International Law.
Iran has confirmed that its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) took control of a tanker on November 14 while it was navigating through the Strait of Hormuz. The ship had just left a port in the UAE and was headed for Southeast Asia when it suddenly changed course and was redirected into Iranian waters, reports Lloyd’s List.
IRGC Says Cargo Was Confiscated Under Judicial Order
In an official statement, the IRGC said its units “tracked and seized the vessel following a judicial order to confiscate its cargo” and that the action was taken to “protect national interests.” The tanker was taken to an anchorage in Iran for investigation into alleged violations. According to the IRGC, a preliminary review of the cargo “found the vessel to be in breach for transporting unauthorised goods,” with further details to be released after a full inspection “under legal authority.”
Iranian Media Claims Cargo Was Illegally Transported
Iranian state-affiliated media reported that the vessel was carrying “30,000 tonnes of petrochemical products owned by Iran that were being transferred illegally to Singapore.”
US Navy Observed Incident; Calls Seizure a Violation
A security source said a US Navy drone observed the incident and reported no casualties or damage. US Central Command issued a statement confirming that the vessel was boarded by IRGC forces arriving by helicopter. It said: “Iran’s use of military forces to conduct an armed boarding and seizure of a commercial vessel in international waters constitutes a blatant violation of international law, undermining freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce.”
The statement urged Iran “to articulate to the international community the legal basis for its actions” and said the US would continue to maintain vigilance alongside regional partners.
Technical Managers Lose Contact With the Vessel
The technical managers confirmed they lost communication with the crew at the time of the interception. They noted that the vessel was carrying high-sulphur gasoil during a transit from the UAE to Singapore.
They stated: “The safety of the crew remains our foremost priority.” Authorities and maritime security agencies have been notified, and efforts to restore contact are ongoing.
Maritime Advisories Urge Caution in Region
Security firm Ambrey advised merchant ships to remain alert while navigating the Strait of Hormuz and to report suspicious activity immediately. UKMTO also issued guidance for heightened caution. Its Joint Maritime Information Centre noted that the IRGC confirmed the seizure, stating it was executed to “safeguard the interests and resources of the Iranian nation” and that the vessel was carrying “unauthorised goods.” JMIC added that there was no change in the overall “threat to shipping engaged in legitimate trade.”
Seizure Follows Pattern of Previous Incidents
This isn’t the first time Iran has threatened to limit access through the Strait of Hormuz in response to Western sanctions, and they have a history of intercepting vessels. The last significant incident took place in April 2024 when Iranian naval forces boarded and redirected another commercial ship, which many saw as retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus. Tensions flared up again during the conflict with Israel in mid-2024, with fresh threats to close this crucial passage that handles about 20% of the world’s oil trade.
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Source: Lloyd’s List
