🔺IRGC takes seized UAE oil tanker to Bandar Abbas

◾Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported that the seized UAE oil tanker that had been halted in the North Corridor of the Strait of Hormuz is being rerouted toward Bandar Abbas.

◾According to this report, the tanker’s destination was originally registered as the UAE’s Jebel Ali port, but it is now heading toward Bandar Abbas. The UAE has made no comment on the report.

◾It has been claimed that the reason for the seizure was “violation of Iran’s maritime laws,” including refusing to use the route designated by the Islamic Republic and not paying service fees. The vessel’s name, cargo, and crew were not announced.

◾This is the first time that the Islamic Republic has explicitly stated that its refusal to pay service fees is the reason for stopping a vessel.