Iran Targets Oil Tanker In Strait Of Hormuz, IRGC Claims It Was Taking An Illegal Route

Tehran: Iran's Revolutionary Guards claim to have intercepted an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iran's government news agency IRNA, the name of this tanker is 'Trend'. Iran says that the tanker was not going on the scheduled sea route and was trying to change the route in a wrong way, hence it was stopped.

What happened to the tanker?

According to Iran, first the tanker caught fire and then it was taken into its possession. Iran alleges that the tanker was trying to deviate from the fixed line in Hormuz. It is not yet clear which country the tanker belonged to, which flag it was flying on and how many people were on board.

Why is Iran being strict on ships in Hormuz?

For some time, Iran has increased surveillance on ships passing through Hormuz. Iran says that all commercial ships will have to take prior permission and will have to pass through the specified route only. Hormuz is the world's most important oil route. About 20% of the world's oil trade takes place from here. Therefore, the news of any ship being stopped here increases the tension.

Had Britain also been informed about any incident?

Shortly before this, Britain's maritime agency UKMTO had also been informed about a security incident in Hormuz. The agency had said that the incident took place about 30 kilometres northeast of Khasab city of Oman. But UKMTO did not give the name of the ship or complete details. Therefore, it is not yet clear whether the incident that Britain is talking about and the 'Trend' tanker that Iran is talking about are the same or both are different.

What will be its impact?

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. This route is very important for the supply of oil and gas. If ships are stopped here or there is any kind of obstruction, it can have a direct impact on oil prices and shipping all over the world. At present, Iran has only put forward its claim. The connection between UKMTO incident and 'Trend' tanker is not clear yet.