Iran Releases Tanker Seized in Strait of Hormuz, Crew Safe

Iran has released a Marshall Islands-flagged fuel tanker, Talara, that was seized in the Strait of Hormuz five days ago, according to the vessel’s manager.

Cyprus-based Columbia Shipmanagement confirmed that all 21 crew members are “safe and in good spirits” and that the tanker is “free to resume normal operations.” There was no immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had earlier stated that it intercepted Talara after the vessel was allegedly found carrying “unauthorised cargo,” in violation of Iranian law. However, Columbia Shipmanagement reported that no allegations were formally made against the vessel, its crew, or its owners prior to its release on Wednesday morning.

Talara was en route from the United Arab Emirates to Singapore with a cargo of high-sulphur gasoil when it was seized about 20 nautical miles (37 km) off the Emirati port of Khor Fakkan and diverted to Bandar Abbas in Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz and surrounding Gulf waters are critical shipping lanes, handling roughly 20% of global oil and gas shipments. While the IRGC has periodically seized tankers in the area in recent years, this incident marks the first seizure since Iran’s 12-day conflict with Israel in June.