Iran confirms seizure of foreign oil tanker over ‘violations’

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed Saturday that naval forces have seized a foreign oil tanker off the country’s southern coast, citing “violations” by the vessel, Anadolu Agency reports.

In a statement, the IRGC said a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker, named “Talara,” was intercepted off the Makran coast following a judicial order.

The tanker was found “in breach for transporting unauthorized goods,” as it was reportedly carrying 30,000 tons of petrochemicals on its way to Singapore, the statement said.

On Friday, British maritime security firm Ambrey said that the Talara tanker, traveling from the United Arab Emirates to Singapore, veered toward Iranian territorial waters while transiting the Gulf of Oman.

READ: Egypt, Iran, IAEA discuss ways to advance peaceful solutions to Tehran’s nuclear program