Ambrey Maritime Security Company: IRGC Seizes UAE-Managed Oil Tanker Near Bushehr

The British maritime security company Ambrey announced on Monday, July 23, that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized an oil tanker managed by the UAE that was sailing under the Togolese flag. According to Ambrey, the vessel was seized 61 nautical miles southwest of the Iranian port of Bushehr while en route to Sharjah in the UAE after loading its cargo on the shores of Iraq. The British security company added that it is unlikely this incident has political motives and does not assess it as a 'war event.' Reuters reported that Ambrey suspects this action by the IRGC was likely part of an anti-smuggling operation. The Islamic Republic claims to combat excessive fuel smuggling through land and sea routes to neighboring countries and the Persian Gulf. However, in recent years, the actions of the Islamic Republic and its proxy groups against commercial vessels have led to increased instability and insecurity in regional waters, resulting in growing convergence between the U.S. and its European and Middle Eastern allies to counter these actions and ensure the security of international shipping. No further information has been provided regarding the fate of the vessel.