Iran has announced the seizure of a tanker in the Gulf of Oman, claiming it was a sanctioned vessel carrying oil belonging to the Islamic Republic. According to state television, "During a special operation, naval comm...
Iran has announced the seizure of a tanker in the Gulf of Oman, claiming it was a sanctioned vessel carrying oil belonging to the Islamic Republic.
According to state television, "During a special operation, naval commandos of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army detained the violating oil tanker Ocean Koi." The report stated that the tanker was "attempting to disrupt oil exports and the interests of the Iranian nation." A shipping database indicates that the vessel is managed by a Chinese company.
The Islamic Republic News Agency reported that the tanker was carrying Iranian oil but did not provide specific details about its actions that constituted "exploitation of regional conditions."
As of 1 p.m. in London, benchmark oil prices showed little change following the tanker seizure. Prices had earlier increased after an exchange of fire between the US and Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, although Washington maintained that a month-long ceasefire is still in effect. Discussions continue about a permanent end to the ongoing conflict.
State media released a video showing at least two small boats approaching the tanker at night. Armed men were seen boarding the vessel and raising the Iranian flag. However, the reports did not specify when the seizure occurred or provide more details about the ship.
In February, the US imposed sanctions on a tanker with the same name for being part of Iran's "shadow fleet," stating it had transported millions of barrels of Iranian oil.
The manager of the ship is Ocean Kudos Shipping Co. based in Shanghai, according to the Equasis international shipping database. No contact details for the company are listed.
Since the war began in late February, Iran has enforced a near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, restricting the flow of large amounts of oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and other goods. Despite this, vessels carrying Iranian oil continued to pass through until mid-April when the US imposed a naval blockade to prevent Iranian oil from reaching global markets.
Despite the blockade, tankers have still been loading at Iranian terminals, but Washington claims it has forced several vessels attempting to set sail to turn back.