IRGC Oil Threat: We Will Retaliate If Iranian Tanker Is Unloaded

The deputy commander of the IRGC has emphasized in response to the potential unloading of the seized Iranian tanker that "if the enemies act foolishly and unload it, we will retaliate." Ali Fadavi stated on Monday night in a gathering with reporters in Qazvin province that Iran is currently in a "economic war with enemies" and that the U.S. Treasury Secretary is "responsible for the war with Iran." The commander of the IRGC Navy also stated on July 19 that "if a company attempts to unload our oil from the seized tanker, we hold that company responsible." Alireza Tangsiri also held the U.S. accountable for the seizure of Iranian oil and its consequences. It seems that the tanker referred to by Fadavi is the "Suez Rajan," which has been seized by the U.S. Department of Justice since last year based on a court order and in cooperation with at least one related company. The case of the "Suez Rajan" is one of several recent maritime cases that have embroiled the U.S. and the Islamic Republic, serving as a pretext for escalating tensions between the two countries. This ship was carrying approximately 800,000 barrels of oil, valued at $56 million. Former U.S. officials stated that the U.S. may have sold this cargo earlier and likely allocated the proceeds to a fund established by the U.S. Congress for "victims of state terrorism." The threats from IRGC officials come as they have previously engaged in retaliatory actions, with the Navy of the Islamic Republic seizing the "Advantage Sweet" tanker carrying Kuwaiti crude oil for Chevron on May 7, claiming it had collided with an Iranian vessel. On May 13, the IRGC also seized the "New Way" tanker in international waters in the Strait of Hormuz, citing "complaint by a plaintiff and judicial order." The Islamic Republic was also seeking to seize two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in gunfire at one of them, ultimately leading the U.S. to decide to send new fighter jets to the Persian Gulf in early July. The Wall Street Journal reported on July 18 that U.S. federal prosecutors are facing challenges in auctioning off 800,000 barrels of seized Iranian oil anchored in a Greek tanker off the Texas coast, as companies that unload tankers are reportedly too concerned about Iranian retaliatory actions to proceed with the unloading. The Financial Times also reported on May 23, citing a former Biden administration official, that the government has flexibility regarding what to do with the proceeds from the sale of the cargo and could potentially allocate the funds to those opposing the Islamic Republic. The U.S. also sold 2 million barrels of Iranian oil in 2021 after seizing a tanker off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, 507,000 barrels were sold in 2022, believed to be linked to the seizure of two tankers. Iran denied any connection with the cargo of the tanker seized by Indonesia. The Islamic Republic's interference with commercial vessels has caused it to lose the opportunity to host an international meeting. The IRGC has warned oil companies about unloading the confiscated oil cargo. More ships and fighter jets are on their way to the Persian Gulf as the U.S. strengthens its military presence. The U.S. is sending F-16 fighter jets to the Persian Gulf. Indonesia has seized a suspected Iranian tanker. Iran claims it had a "judicial order" for the seizure of the Richmond Voyager tanker.