IRGC Seizes Marshall Islands‑Flagged Tanker 'Talara' Near Strait of Hormuz, Citing Judicial Order

IRGC Confirms Seizure of Tanker Talara Near Iran

Tehran — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed it intercepted and seized the Marshall Islands‑flagged tanker Talara after the vessel transited the Strait of Hormuz, saying the action was taken under the orders of judicial authorities.

The IRGC said the operation took place on Friday morning and that the ship was carrying about 30,000 tonnes of petrochemicals. In a statement carried by state media, the force accused the vessel of committing a "violation for transporting unauthorised cargo" and said the move aimed to safeguard Iran’s national interests and resources.

Owner and Operator Response

Columbia Shipmanagement, the Cyprus‑based operator of the Talara, said the Marshall Islands‑flagged vessel had departed a port in the United Arab Emirates en route to Singapore and that contact with the ship was lost. The company said it is coordinating with maritime security agencies and the vessel owner, and that ensuring the crew’s safety is a priority. The cargo has been described as high‑sulfur gas oil, a marine fuel.

Location and Tracking

British maritime authorities and commercial security firms monitored and reported on the incident. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) located the event about 20 nautical miles (approximately 37 km) east of the Emirati port of Khor Fakkan and attributed the action to "state activity." Security firm Ambrey reported that three small boats approached the Talara as it transited south through the Strait of Hormuz, after which the ship altered course in the Gulf of Oman toward Iran.

Flight‑tracking data reviewed by The Associated Press showed a US Navy MQ‑4C Triton surveillance drone loitering over the area for hours during the seizure. US Central Command said it was "aware of the incident" and was "actively monitoring the situation," reiterating that commercial vessels are generally entitled to largely unimpeded navigation on the high seas but did not assign blame.

Context and Past Incidents

Analysts say the interception follows a string of maritime confrontations and seizures in the region over recent years, highlighting the strategic vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial waterway through which about 20 percent of global oil trade and roughly one‑third of global liquefied natural gas exports pass.

Recent incidents cited by regional and Western sources include an IRGC seizure of a Togo‑flagged, UAE‑managed products tanker in July 2024, an April 2024 operation in which commandos rappelled onto a Portuguese‑flagged containership, a drone strike that damaged an Israeli‑linked container ship in November 2023, and a series of attacks and seizures tied to tensions since 2019. In January 2020 the United States killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, an event that further escalated regional tensions.

Implications

The Talara seizure comes amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Western countries over sanctions, regional influence and security in the Gulf. Shipping companies, insurers and navies frequently warn that such incidents can disrupt trade, increase insurance costs and prompt rerouting of commercial traffic. The IRGC said the action was judicially authorised; Western governments and maritime agencies are continuing to monitor developments and seek further information about the crew, cargo and the legal basis cited by Tehran.

Note: Where claims are attributed to parties (IRGC, ship operator, security firms, US Central Command), wording reflects those organizations' statements and publicly reported information.