Iran Seizes UAE-Linked Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stopped and seized an oil tanker linked to the United Arab Emirates in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian media.
Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that the tanker was intercepted for allegedly failing to follow an Iranian-designated maritime route, pay the required service fees and obtain necessary authorization. The vessel was reportedly being taken toward Qeshm Island.
Iranian authorities said vessels using the Strait of Hormuz must comply with designated routes and obtain the relevant permits for safe passage, alleging that the tanker had violated these requirements.
The seizure claim could not initially be independently verified. However, subsequent maritime tracking data identified the Liberia-flagged tanker *Amara*, which entered the Strait of Hormuz on August 17 and later stopped near Qeshm Island.
Iranian media described the vessel as being linked to a UAE-based company, although conflicting information has emerged regarding its ownership. The UAE government did not immediately comment on the reported seizure.
### Previous Incidents Involving UAE-Linked Vessels
The latest development follows several incidents involving vessels linked to the UAE’s state-owned oil company ADNOC in the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE previously accused Iran of targeting an ADNOC-linked vessel while it was transiting the waterway on August 14. No casualties were reported.
The incident was reportedly the third event involving UAE-linked vessels in less than a week in which Iran was accused of being responsible.
### Commercial Shipping Through Strait Falls Sharply
Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has declined sharply following the recent incidents. Data from a ship-tracking company showed that only five cargo vessels passed through the strait on August 15, while no vessel movements were recorded on August 16.
By comparison, 31 commercial vessels had passed through the waterway at the end of the previous week. Some vessels may travel with their transponders switched off, meaning official tracking figures may not capture all maritime activity.
Nevertheless, the overall decline indicates that commercial activity through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors, has been severely disrupted.
Reports of the UAE-linked tanker being seized by Iranian forces also affected global oil markets. Brent crude rose by around 2.7% on August 17, closing at $90.87 per barrel.
Iran maintains that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz can resume once the United States accepts its conditions, while Washington says maritime traffic through the strategic waterway remains open.
