Recently, the United States carried out a sanctions enforcement operation by confiscating Iranian oil on a tanker at sea, according to three sources. This act of aggression was met with retaliation from Iran, who seized another oil-laden tanker a few days later, as reported by a maritime security firm.
The incident marks a further escalation of the tension between the two nations, which has been brewing for years due to US sanctions over Iran's nuclear program. It is worth noting that Iran does not recognize the sanctions, and their oil exports have been steadily increasing, adding to the apprehension of the oil markets.
According to anonymous sources, the US recently confiscated Iranian oil on a tanker, the Suez Rajan, in an operation to enforce sanctions. This confiscation took place at least five days before Iran's subsequent seizure of another oil-laden tanker in retaliation, as reported by maritime security company Ambrey.
Ambrey's advisory to clients stated that the Iranian Navy's seizure was in response to the US action. The tankers involved in the incidents were both of Suezmax size, and Iran has previously responded similarly following seizures of Iranian oil cargo.
The US reportedly took control of the oil cargo on the Suez Rajan after obtaining a court order. The sensitivity of the issue has led to the sources declining to be identified. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, while the US suspects that Iran is attempting to develop nuclear weapons.
Empire Navigation, the Greece-based manager of the seized tanker, and the US Department of Justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the recent tanker seizures. On Thursday, the US Navy reported that Iran had seized a tanker flying the flag of the Marshall Islands in the Gulf of Oman. This is the latest incident in a series of seizures and attacks by Iran on commercial vessels in the region.
According to Iranian state TV, the tanker ignored radio calls for eight hours following a collision with an Iranian boat, which resulted in several crew members being injured and three being reported missing. Rear Admiral Mostafa Tajodini, the Iranian deputy navy commander, told the broadcaster that before resorting to force, they had tried to communicate with the vessel to stop, but they had not cooperated.
A spokesperson for the United Nations (UN) confirmed on Friday that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was aware of the recent seizure in the Gulf of Oman and reiterated the organization's support for international maritime law. As previously reported, last year the US attempted to confiscate an Iranian oil cargo near Greece, leading to Iran seizing two Greek tankers in response.
After Greece's supreme court ordered the cargo to be returned to Iran, the two Greek tankers were eventually released. In a development likely to further heighten tensions, 12 US senators urged President Joe Biden on Thursday to remove Treasury Department policy obstacles that have prevented the Department of Homeland Security from seizing Iranian oil shipments for over a year.
In 2020, the US confiscated four cargoes of Iranian fuel aboard foreign ships that were bound for Venezuela and transferred them with the help of undisclosed foreign partners onto two other ships which then sailed to the US.