Iran has repeatedly detained or attempted to seize oil tankers, often those with U.S. ties or carrying U.S.-bound cargo, claiming legal justification or retaliation for U.S. seizures, actions the U.S. calls illegal harassment violating international law. Recent examples include the M/V Talara (Nov 2025), M/V St Nikolas (Jan 2024, seized after the U.S. seized Iranian oil), and the M/V Advantage Sweet (April 2023).
Key Incidents:
- M/V Talara (November 2025): Iranian forces boarded and seized this Marshall Islands-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, steering it to Iranian waters, an act the U.S. called a blatant violation of law.
- M/V St Nikolas (January 2024): Iran seized this tanker, claiming it was a judicial order in retaliation for the U.S. seizing Iranian oil, a move the White House condemned.
- M/V Advantage Sweet (April 2023): An Iranian naval force seized this U.S.-bound tanker in the Gulf of Oman, with the U.S. Navy demanding its release.
- M/T Wila (August 2020): Iranian forces boarded this vessel in international waters, allegedly searching for Iranian oil previously seized by the U.S..
Context:These seizures often occur amidst heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route, with both sides accusing the other of unlawful maritime actions.
