Iranian forces intercept, move tanker with high-sulphur gasoil towards Iran: Maritime security sources

“Contact was lost at around 0822 local time,” the company said, adding that it was working with “maritime security agencies and the vessel’s owner” to re-establish communication.

The ship is owned by Cyprus-based Pasha Finance.

UK Maritime Agency cites ‘state activity’

Britain’s UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said the incident “is believed to be state activity”, reporting that the tanker was moving into Iranian territorial waters.

British maritime risk group Vanguard also reported that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards redirected the vessel towards the Iranian coast.

Marine Traffic data showed the tanker’s last signal near Iran around 0810 GMT. The UAE and Iran’s foreign ministries did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

US official confirms seizure in Strait of Hormuz

A US defence official told the Associated Press (AP) that Iranian forces seized the Talara as it travelled through the Strait of Hormuz from Ajman to Singapore. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence findings.

US Navy MQ-4C Triton drone observed the incident for several hours. Private security firm Ambrey told AP that three small boats approached the tanker during the seizure.

Columbia Shipmanagement also told AP it had “notified the relevant authorities” and that “the safety of the crew remains our foremost priority”.

However, Iran has detained several foreign-flagged vessels in recent years over claims of maritime violations. The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions following a 12-day conflict in June between Iran and Israel, during which US President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Around one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The US Navy’s Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet continues patrols to keep the waterway open.