Washington: According to three sources, the US recently seized Iranian oil on a tanker at sea as part of a sanctions enforcement operation. Days later, Iran responded by seizing another oil-filled tanker, according to a maritime security company.
The cargo seizure is the most recent escalation between Washington and Tehran following years of US sanctions pressure over Iran's nuclear programme, which has left the oil markets uneasy. The sanctions are not recognised by Iran, and its oil exports have been increasing.
While Washington believes Iran is trying to develop a nuclear weapon, Tehran insists that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
According to maritime security firm Ambrey, the US seizure occurred at least five days prior to Iran's Thursday action. In a client advisory, Ambrey stated that it believed the Iranian Navy's seizure was a reaction to the US action.
Both tankers had Suezmax dimensions. In the past, after Iranian oil cargo was seized, Iran retaliated in kind.
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According to the sources, who requested anonymity due to the delicate nature of the situation, Washington assumed control of the oil cargo on board the Marshall Islands tanker Suez Rajan after obtaining a previous court order. On April 22, the tanker's last known location was close to southern Africa, according to ship tracking information.
Empire Navigation, the management company for the ship based in Greece, and the US Department of Justice did not immediately reply to requests for comment.
According to the US Navy, Iran on Thursday took control of a tanker flying the flag of the Marshall Islands in the Gulf of Oman, marking the latest takeover or attack by Tehran on commercial ships in contested Gulf waters.
According to Iranian state television, the tanker ignored radio calls for eight hours after colliding with an Iranian boat, inflicting injuries to several crew members and leaving three people missing.
Rear Admiral Mostafa Tajodini, the deputy commander of the Iranian navy, told the broadcaster, "We tried to call the vessel to stop before using force, but they did not cooperate.
According to a UN spokesperson on Friday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was informed of the seizure in the Gulf of Oman and reiterated his support for international maritime law.
The US attempted to seize an Iranian oil shipment last year near Greece, which prompted Tehran to seize two Greek tankers in the Gulf. The shipment was mandated to be sent back to Iran by the Greek Supreme Court. Later, the two Greek tankers were freed.
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Twelve US senators called on President Joe Biden on Thursday to remove Treasury Department policy barriers that have prevented the Department of Homeland Security from seizing Iranian oil shipments for more than a year, a move that is likely to escalate tensions.
Washington seized four cargoes of Iranian fuel in 2020 that were on board foreign ships headed for Venezuela and transferred them with the aid of unnamed foreign partners onto two other ships that sailed to the US.
