Iran seizes tanker in Gulf of Oman
Tehran cites maritime violations and tensions
Iranian naval forces seized the oil tanker Ocean Koi in the Gulf of Oman, detaining the vessel on allegations of maritime violations and an attempt to disrupt Iran’s oil exports. Tehran said the operation was executed under a resolution from the Supreme National Security Council and a judicial order, with commandos and marines escorting the tanker to southern Iranian coasts before handing it to judicial authorities. The statement accused the ship of trying to exploit regional tensions to harm Iranian export interests and warned that the navy will show no leniency toward violators in national waters.
Iran framed the seizure as part of stepped-up control over the Strait of Hormuz amid an ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, saying it has blocked passage by vessels linked to those it terms aggressors. The statement accused the U.S. of enforcing an illegal naval blockade of Iranian maritime traffic since mid-April, contravening a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire. It also said a U.S. initiative to reopen the strait, dubbed “Project Freedom,” has faltered, though U.S. authorities asserted their blockade would continue. The incident is likely to heighten maritime tensions and further complicate regional efforts to manage naval access and commercial shipping.
