Iran has officially confirmed the seizure of a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf, an incident that occurred on Friday. According to local media reports, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) intercepted the vessel, which was transporting petrochemical cargo destined for Singapore. The IRGC stated that the tanker was seized following a judicial order, citing violations related to carrying unauthorized cargo, though specific details were not disclosed. The operation was carried out by the IRGC’s rapid reaction units, who monitored and intercepted the tanker, named Talara, at 7:30 AM local time. Ellie Shafik, an analyst at Vanguard Tech, suggested that Iran might portray the seizure as a lawful action, potentially masking strategic motives. This development occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and Western nations, particularly over Iran’s nuclear program. In September, the United Nations reinstated widespread sanctions, including an arms embargo, following the collapse of nuclear negotiations. Diplomatic efforts, mediated by Oman, between Iran and the United States also failed in June after Israeli and American strikes on Iran. Tehran continues to assert that its nuclear program is peaceful, denying any intent to develop nuclear weapons. The reinstated sanctions are part of a “snapback” mechanism from the 2015 nuclear agreement, which had initially suspended penalties in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities. The deal began to unravel after former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018, reimposing severe sanctions that have exacerbated Iran’s economic crisis.