Iran seizes 'violating' oil tanker in Gulf waters
Iran’s navy has seized a Barbados-flagged oil tanker, the Ocean Koi, for allegedly disrupting the country’s oil exports. Naval commandos intercepted the vessel, which was carrying Iranian crude, and escorted it to southern Iran for judicial proceedings.
Iranian naval forces have captured a foreign-flagged oil tanker in regional waters, accusing the vessel of attempting to sabotage the country’s crude exports. According to Iran’s official IRNA news agency, the tanker — identified as the Ocean Koi — was intercepted by Iranian naval commandos during what was described as a special operation.
Vessel carried Iranian cargo
IRNA reported that the Ocean Koi was carrying an Iranian oil cargo and had exploited ongoing regional tensions to interfere with Iran’s petroleum shipments. The Iranian army stated that the tanker was escorted to the country’s southern coastline before being handed over to judicial authorities. The army added that it would continue defending Iran’s interests and assets in regional waters, pledging “no leniency” toward violators.
Background and flag status
According to MarineTraffic data, the Ocean Koi sails under the flag of Barbados. The seizure comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, where the US has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic since April.
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