WASHINGTON: The United States has recently confiscated Iranian oil on a tanker at sea in a sanctions enforcement operation, at least three sources confirmed.
Days later, Iran seized another oil-laden tanker in what seemed to a retaliation, according to the maritime security firm. As oil markets remain jittery, the oil cargo seizure is the new escalation between Washington and Tehran after years of sanctions pressured by the United States over Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran doesn’t recognise the sanctions, and its oil exports have risen.
Tehran said its nuclear programme is for civilians, while Washington suspects Iran wants to develop a nuclear bomb.
Maritime security company Ambrey said the United States confiscation occurred at least five days before Iran’s action. “Ambrey has assessed the seizure by the Navy of Iran to be in response to the United States action,” it said in an advisory to clients.
“Both tankers Suezmax-sized. Iran has responded tit-for-tat following seizures of Iranian oil cargo.”
The sources familiar with the issue, who declined to be identified due to the issue’s sensitivity, said Washington took control of the cargo aboard the Marshall Islands tanker Suez Rajan after securing the earlier court order. The ship tracking data showed the tanker’s last reported position was near southern Africa on April 22.
Empire Navigation, the vessel’s Greece-based manager and the United States Department of Justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The United States Navy said Iran seized a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Oman, the latest seizure or attack by Tehran on commercial vessels in sensitive Gulf waters.
Iranian state TV said the tanker ignored radio calls for eight hours following a collision with the Iranian boat, which left several crewmen wounded and three others missing. “Before using force, we tried to call the vessel …to stop, but they didn’t cooperate,” Iranian deputy navy commander Rear Admiral Mostafa Tajodini told the broadcaster.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was aware of the Gulf of Oman seizure and reaffirmed support for international maritime law, a United Nations spokesperson said on Friday.
Last year, the United States tried to confiscate a cargo of Iranian oil near Greece, which prompted Tehran to seize two Greek tankers in the Gulf. Greece’s supreme court ordered the shipment returned to Iran. The two Greek tankers were later released.
In a step likely to escalate tensions, 12 States on Thursday urged President of the United States, Joe Biden, to remove Treasury Department policy hurdles that have barred the Department of Homeland Security from seizing Iranian oil shipments for over a year.
