Khaberni - The US Central Command announced that Iranian forces executed an armed landing operation on a commercial tanker in international waters in the Strait of Hormuz, before seizing it and taking it to Iranian territorial waters.
The US Central Command stated that its forces monitored an incident during which forces of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard seized a commercial tanker, flying the Marshall Islands flag, while it was traveling through international waters in the Strait of Hormuz on November 14.
The statement also explained that members of the Revolutionary Guard reached the tanker M/V Talara via a helicopter, then conducted an armed boarding before directing the ship towards Iranian territorial waters, where it remains detained up to now.
Blatant violation
The United States described the Iranian move as a blatant violation of international law, pointing out that the use of military force to seize a commercial ship in international waters poses a direct threat to the freedom of navigation and global commerce.
Washington also called on Tehran to provide the legal basis for its actions to the international community.
The US Central Command confirmed that its forces will continue to be vigilant, and will work with partners and allies to maintain security and stability in the region and ensure the continuity of navigation freedom in vital passageways.
Iranian media reported yesterday, Saturday, that Tehran confirmed that the Revolutionary Guard detained a tanker carrying a petrochemical shipment headed to Singapore in the Gulf waters.
After inspection, the authorities stated that "the tanker committed a violation by transporting an unauthorized shipment".
Later, the Public Relations Department of the Naval Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard admitted that the oil tanker (Talara) had been detained, considering this action was taken "to preserve the interests and resources of the Iranian people"
