The United States has accused Iranian forces of unlawfully seizing a commercial tanker in international waters, escalating maritime tensions in one of the world’s most sensitive shipping corridors. According to a statement released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Sunday, Iranian personnel boarded and took control of a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, M/V Talara, as it transited the Strait of Hormuz on November 14.
CENTCOM said the operation was carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), whose forces reportedly arrived by helicopter before storming the vessel. After boarding, IRGC operatives steered the tanker into Iranian territorial waters, where it remains detained.
The U.S. sharply criticized the action, saying Iran’s seizure of a commercial ship navigating international waters represents a “blatant violation of international law.” The statement warned that such incidents threaten global freedom of navigation and undermine international commerce.
“We call on Iran to articulate to the international community the legal basis for its actions,” CENTCOM said, urging Tehran to justify the move under established maritime norms.
The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes, has been the site of repeated confrontations between Iran and Western-aligned states. The latest incident is expected to draw heightened diplomatic scrutiny and concerns from maritime operators.
CENTCOM added that U.S. forces will remain “vigilant” and continue coordinating with regional partners and allies to promote stability and secure commercial shipping lanes.
The Iranian government has not publicly provided details or justification for the seizure.
