What happened to the Iranian oil fleet's tracking signals?

The article reports that 75% of the Iranian oil fleet activated their location tracking signals and then deactivated them the next day, before the signals resumed about a week later with the majority of Iranian vessels heading east. This unusual activity suggests potential sanctions evasion efforts by Iran.

How important is the Strait of Hormuz for global oil shipments?

The article states that the Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global oil shipments, with roughly one-fifth of the world's petroleum passing through the waterway. Iran has previously threatened to close the passage in retaliation to Western sanctions and other actions.

What is the significance of the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker seized by Iran?

The article notes that while the seized tanker is flagged under the Marshall Islands, tankers commonly use a "flags of convenience" policy to register in countries with lower costs, taxes, or regulations. A previously detained ship, the St Nikolas, was also flagged under the Marshall Islands but was seized by Iran as retaliation for a U.S. seizure of Iranian oil.

Home / War and Conflict / Iranian Forces Seize Tanker in Strait of Hormuz, Raising Tensions

Iranian Forces Seize Tanker in Strait of Hormuz, Raising Tensions

16 Nov

•

Summary

Iran seizes Marshall Islands-flagged tanker in Strait of Hormuz
Incident follows unusual deactivation of Iranian oil fleet's tracking signals
Seizure raises concerns about safety of commercial shipping in the region

Iranian Forces Seize Tanker in Strait of Hormuz, Raising Tensions

In a concerning development, Iranian forces have seized a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on November 14, 2025. According to Iranian state-run television, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed the tanker was "in violation for carrying unauthorized cargo," though no further details were provided.

This incident marks the first Iranian seizure of a tanker in over a year, with the last such event occurring in April 2024. Prior to that, there were additional seizures in April 2023 and January 2024. Such actions raise serious concerns about the safety and security of commercial shipping in the region, with the potential for heightened geopolitical tensions.

The tanker seizure also follows an unusual incident where 75% of the Iranian oil fleet activated their location tracking signals and then deactivated them the next day. Tracking signals resumed about a week later, with the majority of Iranian vessels heading east. Experts suggest this could be a sign of potential sanctions evasion efforts by Iran.