Persian Gulf: Iran's forces seize foreign tanker on oil smuggling charges, Sept. 10

Event

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces seized a foreign-flagged tanker on oil smuggling charges in the Persian Gulf, Sept. 10. There were seven foreign crewmembers on the vessel. Authorities have yet to identify the vessel and the nationalities of its crewmembers.

Persian Gulf littoral states and their allies could increase naval and aerial surveillance in the days ahead; however, shipping and maritime transport through the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman are unlikely to be affected at present.

Context

Several high-profile incidents involving vessels and oil tankers have occurred in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in recent months. The IRGC naval forces seized two Greek-flagged oil tankers in the Persian Gulf on May 27. The action by the IRGC was in response to the May 25 confiscation of an Iranian oil shipment in the Mediterranean Sea. Greek authorities had assisted the US in seizing the Iranian oil due to sanctions violations.

Iran's constant threats of closing the Strait of Hormuz and maritime incidents prompted the US to form the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) in 2019 to monitor the safe passage of oil in the Persian Gulf. As tensions between Washington and Tehran persist, further similar incidents remain likely.

Advice

Exercise caution and reconfirm routes with maritime authorities if transiting or shipping freight through the Persian Gulf in the coming days.