Iran Seizes Tanker in Gulf; Some Crew Believed to Be Filipino —

Iran confirmed on Saturday that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized a tanker carrying petrochemical cargo in Gulf waters, citing alleged violations, according to state media.

The announcement followed reports from a U.S. official and maritime security sources stating that Iranian forces intercepted the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Talara on Friday and diverted it into Iranian territorial waters. This marks the first reported tanker seizure by Tehran since Israeli-U.S. strikes on Iran in June.

Iranian state television quoted the IRGC as saying the vessel was “in violation for carrying unauthorized cargo,” though it did not specify the nature of the alleged infraction.

Maritime sources confirmed that the Tanker ship name Talara—carrying high-sulphur gasoil bound for Singapore—had been sailing off the coast of the United Arab Emirates after departing Sharjah. The vessel’s manager, Columbia Shipmanagement, said it lost contact with the ship roughly 20 nautical miles off Khor Fakkan and is coordinating with maritime security agencies and the vessel’s owner, Cyprus-based Pasha Finance, to re-establish communication.

The U.S. military stated that it is aware of the incident and is monitoring the situation.

As per Marino PH sources, some members of the crew are believed to be Filipino, prompting concern within the seafaring community as families await official confirmation.