Persian Gulf: Iran's forces seize two Greek-flagged oil tankers in the Persian Gulf May 27

Event

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces seized two Greek-flagged oil tankers in the Persian Gulf late May 27. The action by the IRGC is almost certainly 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.

The IRGC has not given any specific reasons for the seizure of the vessels. However, IRGC-linked media outlets announced May 27 that Iran had decided to take punitive action against Greece. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused Iran of committing acts of piracy. According to authorities in Athens, an Iranian helicopter landed on the Greek-flagged Delta Poseidon and detained the crew, including two Greek nationals. The other seized Greek-flagged vessel, which some unconfirmed sources have identified as the Prudent Warrior, was carrying seven Greek nationals when it was seized.

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

A series of high-profile incidents involving vessels and oil tankers have occurred in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman in recent years. 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.