IRGC seizes Talara oil tanker under judicial order

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
Today 14:11

IRGC naval units intercepted and detained the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Talara on November 14 under a judicial order.

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Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Navy vessels watch a US Navy vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, on May 19, 2023. (AP)

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Navy (IRGC-N) said its naval rapid-reaction units intercepted and took control of the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker Talara on November 14 after a judicial order to seize the vessel, the Islamic Revolution News Agency (IRNA) reported.

According to a statement released by the IRGC-N, the ship was monitored, pursued, and escorted into Iranian waters before being moved to port for a full inspection and legal processing.

Operation carried to protect Iranian national resources

The IRGC's Navy stressed that the operation was a lawful action taken “in the framework of legal duties” to protect Iran’s national interests and natural resources. The interception began at about 7:30 A.M. (local time) on Friday.

Talara was carrying some 30,000 tonnes of petrochemical products and was bound for Singapore when it was intercepted; Iranian authorities say a full inspection found the cargo to be unlicensed, justifying detention and further judicial proceedings.

Western maritime monitors and outlets had earlier flagged the incident after the vessel made an abrupt course deviation while transiting south through the Strait of Hormuz. The United States and commercial maritime sources described the episode as possible “state activity” and said the management company reported losing contact with the tanker. US officials and maritime trackers monitored the situation as the ship was diverted into Iranian waters.