IRGC Seizes Oil Tanker Amara Near Qeshm Island in Iran

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized an oil tanker near Qeshm Island in Iran, according to state-affiliated media. The IRGC intercepted the vessel, which is believed to be the Liberia-flagged tanker Amara, and redirected it toward Bandar Abbas.

Fars News Agency claimed that the tanker belonged to a UAE-based company, but maritime tracking data suggests that its ultimate ownership traces back to India. The vessel was traveling unladen with its Automatic Identification System (AIS) active when it entered the Strait of Hormuz from east to west on Monday, August 17.

Shipping records show that Amara altered its course at least five times before stopping near Qeshm Island. The precise reason for the interception remains unclear, but data compiled by Bloomberg indicates that the tanker was navigating within the northern corridor established by Iran prior to its stop.