In the latest display of rising tensions between the United States and Iran, both countries have seized oil tankers belonging to each other in separate incidents. These actions come amid ongoing disputes over Iran's nuclear program and US-enforced sanctions. Iran does not recognize the US-imposed sanctions and has seen an increase in its oil exports. While Iran claims its nuclear program is for civilian use, the US government remains suspicious that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapon development.
According to maritime security firm Ambrey, the US seized an Iranian oil tanker first, prompting Iran to retaliate by taking control of another oil-laden tanker. Both vessels were Suezmax-sized, and Iran has a history of responding in kind to such seizures.
Sources familiar with the situation, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue, reported that the US secured a court order to confiscate the oil cargo on the Marshall Islands tanker, Suez Rajan. As of April 22, the vessel was last tracked near southern Africa.
In response, the Iranian Navy seized a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Oman. Iranian state TV reported that the vessel ignored radio calls for eight hours after colliding with an Iranian boat, resulting in several injuries and three missing crew members. Rear Admiral Mostafa Tajodini, Iranian deputy navy commander, stated that force was used only after unsuccessful attempts to communicate with the vessel.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed awareness of the seizure in the Gulf of Oman and reiterated support for international maritime law. In 2021, a similar incident took place when the US attempted to confiscate Iranian oil near Greece, leading Iran to seize two Greek tankers in the Gulf. The Greek supreme court eventually ordered the return of the cargo to Iran, and the Greek vessels were released.
In a move likely to heighten tensions, 12 US senators recently called on President Joe Biden to eliminate Treasury Department policy obstacles that have hindered the Department of Homeland Security from seizing Iranian oil shipments for over a year. Previously in 2020, the US had confiscated four Iranian fuel cargoes aboard foreign ships en route to Venezuela. With the assistance of unidentified foreign partners, the fuel was transferred to two other vessels, which then sailed to the US.
