Iran Takes Control of Oil Tanker in Hormuz Strait

Iran recently took control of an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker, named Talara, was flying the Marshall Islands flag. It was carrying 30, 000 tons of petrochemical products. The seizure happened on Friday. Iran claims the tanker had an illegal consignment. They did not give more details about what was illegal or what happened to the crew. The Revolutionary Guard said the seizure was to protect Iran's interests. They did not say where the tanker is now. The tanker was heading to Singapore when Iranian forces stopped it. A private security firm said three small boats were involved in the seizure. A U. S. Navy drone was watching the area for hours. The British military also confirmed the incident. They said the tanker was forced into Iranian waters. The company managing the tanker lost contact with it. They are working to restore contact and ensure the crew's safety. Iran has been warning it might strike back after a 12-day war in June with Israel. During this war, the U. S. struck Iranian nuclear sites. Iran has a history of seizing ships. In 2022, they took two Greek tankers. In 2024, they seized a Portuguese cargo ship. The Strait of Hormuz is a very important waterway. About 20% of all oil traded passes through it. The U. S. Navy patrols the area to keep it open. Iran has threatened to close it off. The situation in the Gaza Strip has added to the tensions. The Houthi attacks on ships have made shipping in the Red Sea dangerous.