Iran Oil Tanker Seizure Stokes Tensions with U.S.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has seized two foreign oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, accusing them of smuggling diesel fuel, according to state media.

The latest seizure comes amid ongoing tensions with the United States over maritime security in the region.

Newsweek has reached out to Iran’s foreign ministry and the U.S. State Department for comment. The United States has made no public comment on the seizures so far.

Why It Matters

The incident highlights Iran’s continued efforts to assert control over Persian Gulf waters, a crucial route for global energy supplies. With past tanker seizures straining relations between Tehran and Washington, the move could escalate tensions further. Iran has long cited fuel smuggling and maritime violations as justification for its actions, but critics argue these seizures are part of a broader geopolitical strategy.

What To Know

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Second Naval District intercepted the vessels in a maritime operation and is transferring them to the port of Bushehr. Iranian officials say the two tankers, carrying a combined 25 crew members, were systematically involved in smuggling over three million liters of diesel fuel.

“These two tankers were systematically engaged in fuel smuggling and were identified through intelligence monitoring by IRGC naval forces,” the unit said in a statement. “They are now being moved to the Bushehr oil pier under judicial order for fuel confiscation.”

Energy Supplies

Iran frequently carries out such operations, arguing they are necessary to combat fuel trafficking. The country enforces strict controls over oil exports due to U.S. sanctions, making smuggling a politically sensitive issue.

The Persian Gulf, where most of these operations take place, is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. Nearly a third of the world’s oil passes through these waters, making it a key artery for international trade.

Previous Seizures

Iran has a history of seizing foreign vessels. In April 2023, its navy seized the Advantage Sweet, a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker, in the Gulf of Oman, alleging it had collided with an Iranian vessel.

In January 2024, Iran captured another Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, the St. Nikolas (formerly Suez Rajan), in retaliation for the U.S. confiscation of Iranian oil the previous year.

In 2019, the IRGC detained the British-flagged Stena Impero, accusing it of ramming a fishing boat. The tanker was released two months later.

What People Are Saying

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps stated: “The two tankers, with a total of 25 crew members, were systematically involved in fuel smuggling in the central waters of the Persian Gulf and were collectively carrying over three million liters of smuggled diesel fuel.”

Head of the IRGC’s Aerospace Unit Amir Ali Hajizadeh warned: “The Americans have around ten military bases in the region—at least near Iran—and 50,000 troops. It’s like they’re sitting in a glass house. And when you’re in a glass house, you don’t throw stones at others.”

Author Gordon G. Chang on X: “So far, the response of the international community to shipping seizures by Iran and its proxies has been anemic. The regime will continue to seize shipping and commit other acts of war until some party—the U.S.—imposes costs on Tehran. The costs should be disproportionate.”

Brian Krassenstein, a frequently anti-Trump political commentator, on X: “After Trump’s latest threats to bomb Iran, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has seized two oiltankers carrying over 3 million liters of diesel. Oil prices have jumped more than 3%, and we are closer to war.”

What Happens Next?

This latest tanker seizure adds to the broader tensions between Iran and the United States, which have been strained over issues including stalled nuclear talks. With both sides at odds over Iran’s nuclear program and maritime security, this incident could further escalate hostilities. The potential for U.S. responses or retaliatory measures remains uncertain.